If you've got tired old mono leaf springs, don't wait any longer. Spend $200 and put on a new set of springs.

I just replaced my monos with the JC Whitney 3 leaf spring and poly bushings. I can't believe the difference it made, both in ride and stance. :hurray: Why didn't I do this sooner?

Which one of these did you order?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-VehicleBrowse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2005965/p-2005965/N-111+1968+200728444+600003409/c-10101

None of those. It's not listed for Camaro, but for Novas. If you search this site you'll see this is the spring a lot of people use for mono replacement. No alteration needed to the perch. Here it is:
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10101/s-10101/p-100000263464/mediaCode-ZX/appId-10255809/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:10000026346410255809

Dave, the part number that you want is ZX942669X. It is listed under 1970 Nova. I did this same replacement last year. And just as DaveV stated what a difference in stance and ride. I am completely happy with mine also. The 3 leafs are not listed under Camaros. But you can do a search on JCW 3 leafs and find a lot of info on replacement.

Did you do the swap yourself or did a shop do it? Have not fooled leaf springs before. What is the part number for the bushings you used?

Too bad you didn't post last week...free shipping ended on the 29th.

Did you do the swap yourself or did a shop do it? Have not fooled leaf springs before. What is the part number for the bushings you used?

It's not too difficult. Do a search on the forum for mono multi swap and you'll find lot's of good information. I needed to drop my gas tank to replace the sending unit. It may be more difficult with the tank in. I used poly bushings, prothane bushings and energy suspension pads, just because that's what would ship the quickest. Here are the summit part numbers:

ENS-3-6113G SPRING PAD BLACK $19.88
PTP-7-1052-BL SPRING EYE SHACKLE MONO LEAF $69.95

I replaced the t-bolts with u-bolts that I picked up at St. Louis Spring.

If you've got tired old mono leaf springs, don't wait any longer. Spend $200 and put on a new set of springs.

I just replaced my monos with the JC Whitney 3 leaf spring and poly bushings. I can't believe the difference it made, both in ride and stance. :hurray: Why didn't I do this sooner?

You say it changed the stance, how high did it raise it?

Jim

Did you do the swap yourself or did a shop do it? Have not fooled leaf springs before. What is the part number for the bushings you used?

Yes I did the swap myself. I obtained all the info I needed on the swap off of the forums. I used Prothane poly bushings for a mono leaf set up. The pads need the lip to be trimmed off. I just used my bench grinder and zipped them right off.

You say it changed the stance, how high did it raise it?

Jim

I can't tell you the exact measurements that it raised it. But my rear was sagging from the old monos. I also changed my front springs to Eibach 1" lowering springs. It has a little bit of rake to it. Ever so slightly, but it just looks better than before.

You say it changed the stance, how high did it raise it?

Jim

Jim,

About 1/2 inch. I'm at 15 1/2 from center of axle to fender lip (no wheel well molding).

Too bad you didn't post last week...free shipping ended on the 29th.

Free shipping today on orders $75 or more at JCW.

I just made this thread a sticky and added some info to the Title to make it more clear.
Please post any other links to good threads here.
David

Just finished installing the 3-leaf JCW 21-245 springs in my 68 with 8.5 nova rearend. Some things that I did for installation: replaced flat head beveled centering bolt with a centering leafspring bolt with a 5/16" head that fit perfectly into the upper pad. Added a 5/16" plate(cut piece of another leafspring) and lower pad. Also I used the multileaf shock plate. Just install loose and tighten up when weight is on axle. Looks like my car sits up close to 2 inches. I like the stance.

Just finished installing the 3-leaf JCW 21-245 springs in my 68 with 8.5 nova rearend. Some things that I did for installation: replaced flat head beveled centering bolt with a centering leafspring bolt with a 5/16" head that fit perfectly into the upper pad. Added a 5/16" plate(cut piece of another leafspring) and lower pad. Also I used the multileaf shock plate. Just install loose and tighten up when weight is on axle. Looks like my car sits up close to 2 inches. I like the stance.

Just wondering why you used the multileaf shock plate? I did the same leaf replacement on my 69 but used my original mono leaf shock plate. Was yours an original multi leaf car?

No, I had an 8.2 3.08 monoleaf peg leg replaced with the budget 8.5 nova 10 bolt with 3.42 posi . Multileaf shock plate goes with multi leaf spring perch also is much stronger than mono leaf plate.

No, I had an 8.2 3.08 monoleaf peg leg replaced with the budget 8.5 nova 10 bolt with 3.42 posi . Multileaf shock plate goes with multi leaf spring perch also is much stronger than mono leaf plate.

Right. The Nova 8.5" has multi leaf perches on it, setup is a lil different than 3 leafs into mono perches, more space to fill since the perches are deeper.

I don't know if a multi shock plate will work with a mono perch? I had considered trying that because there seems to be a better selection of shocks to fit a multi leaf car.

You guys know how I've been mouthing about these for years as being good value.

David, glad to see a sticky made.

More info I've saved over time on this..

"Here's the information on these springs. They are made by S&G Enterprises, Inc. Their website is S&G Enterprises and the part # is 21-245. They are made in Mexico. This same part shows up on this website Triangle Spring as factory replacement springs. They don't list the details such as spring rate on either site though.
My JCW cat. is number 671J-02 and the spring number is 94UA2669X at $62.95 each.

If this cross references to one of the numbers you listed which should be the second one down.
More info on the JCW springs. According to the sticker on the springs I installed from Vette Brakes the JCW/Triangle and VB springs both have the same PN (21-245).

I am going to assume they are the same spring given the PN and the fact my VB springs were labled "Triangle". This would make the JCW springs #130.

The curious thing is after the install my rear end is about an inch higher with the VB springs than other who have used the JCW springs. (Yes, everything was tightened after it was on the ground)
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=27619
Here is the thread with the info on my VB springs.
http://www.camaros.net/cgi-bin/forum...2.html?#000000
Just trying to keep all the pertinant info in one thread.
St. Louis Spring = 1-314-533-2132, Mon-Fri 7:30-4:30. Per Mike P.
www.johnrspring.com phone # 1800-521-0563 hope that helps let me know."


pdq67

I ordered the JCW springs and the OEM mounting kit from Ricks. Wow what a difference in travel and stance. I only wish I had measured the before and after height. I never realized how mush those mono's sagged. Well worth the total of $234 I spent on parts.

Item: 942669 LEAF SPRING CHEVY, PONTIAC REAR
Subtotal: $111.98 USD
Shipping: $19.99 USD
Tax: $0.00 USD
Total: $131.97 USD

Qty Part No. Desrciption Options Price Price
1 SS-98 Camaro Mono Leaf Spring Part# SS-
Subtotal: $89.99
Shpg/Hdlg: $13.49
Rush Srv.: $0.00
Tax: $0.00
==========
Total: $103.48

So the mono kit works with the JCW springs? Anything else I need to buy? After I do this I should be able to get rid of the air shock I am running now and go to a gas shock?

You guys have convinced me the JCW are the way to go - darn if they're not on back order 'til the 27th of March.

doug you are behind me. ordered last week and got the backorder notice today. :(

You will need to buy a mono poly kit and then VERY CAREFULLY trim the lips off the pads so they fit!

Mono's are 2.75" wide and thin on both ends and 2.25" wide and thick in the middle whereas multi's are 2.5" wide and the same thickness their whole length!!

NOBODY to the best of my knowledge is re-popping real copies of GM mono's!!

pdq67

pdq, do i use the multi spring front eye bushing or the mono one?
(2 different part #'s)
i am trying to have everything i need in one spot.

thanks

I see that I'm not the only one waiting for these springs. I ordered mine on Jan 15th. They were originally to ship on 2/4, but were back ordered until 2/28 and then back ordered again until 3/4. I hope that I get them before the warm weather gets here!!

I just went to JCW and they show an expected ship date of 04/05 for that spring number. I am concered because I currently have multi perches with mono leaves. My mono's are Graphite springs from Corvette Brakes and they are twice as thick as standard momo's. Will the JCW 3 leaf fit in my multi perch without any gaps? Will they be too fat or too skiny? Right now I have the mono spring, an aluminum spacer, a top poly pad, and 2 2*pinion shims. I had a hell of a time getting the pinion angle correct. Will I have the same pain in the ass time with these 3 leaves? 1st gens cam with 3 leaves so I would think the pinion angle should be ok, but I could be wrong. Lord knows I have before.

I just went to JCW and they show an expected ship date of 04/05 for that spring number. I am concered because I currently have multi perches with mono leaves. My mono's are Graphite springs from Corvette Brakes and they are twice as thick as standard momo's. Will the JCW 3 leaf fit in my multi perch without any gaps? Will they be too fat or too skiny? Right now I have the mono spring, an aluminum spacer, a top poly pad, and 2 2*pinion shims. I had a hell of a time getting the pinion angle correct. Will I have the same pain in the ass time with these 3 leaves? 1st gens cam with 3 leaves so I would think the pinion angle should be ok, but I could be wrong. Lord knows I have before.

The 3 leafs will fit in the multi perches. That's what I have know. I used multi leaf poly pads and a 3/8" thick piece of alum. flat stock about 5"-6" long. To take up the space. Trim off the lip on the pads flush.

I went to order mine a year ago and had the same issues.... on back order, month after month.
I ended up getting the 4 leaf Z-28 springs (used with my mono perches) and am very happy so far. Only issue is the gap between the perch and shock plate (which I'm fine with, no hard corners at the strip :D ) and I could add some flatstock to take up the gap. I also left out the bottom pad.

So here's a pic.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a130/Dougs68Camaro/DSCF0001-2.jpg

pdq, do i use the multi spring front eye bushing or the mono one?
(2 different part #'s)
i am trying to have everything i need in one spot.

thanks


Mark,

Front eye bushing comes already installed in the jcw spring.

thanks dave, you just saved me $50 :)

I just found out that my JCW springs have been back ordered again and are now expected to ship on 3/17 ( ordered 1/15). I would really like to get new springs in by May. Does anyone have recommendations on a good alternative for a Mono leaf replacement other than a mono leaf? I have everything else, I just need some springs. If they back order again, I would like to have a backup plan.

I just found out that my JCW springs have been back ordered again and are now expected to ship on 3/17 ( ordered 1/15). I would really like to get new springs in by May. Does anyone have recommendations on a good alternative for a Mono leaf replacement other than a mono leaf? I have everything else, I just need some springs. If they back order again, I would like to have a backup plan.
I had the same problem back in 2005!

I ordered the JCW Nova 3 leaf springs on July 19, 2005. They showed them “in stock” when I ordered them. Only when I called to see why it was taking so long did I learn they were on backorder. They told me they would ship them on Aug. 22. In September I called them again. They told me they were still on backorder and would ship on Sept. 22. I had enough and canceled the order. :mad:

I then ordered some 4 leafs from Tamraz. They arrived less than a week later. They are very nice springs and not very expensive. I called first to make sure they had them in stock! :thumbsup:

Thanks. So the Tamraz springs fit OK as a mono replacement?

Thanks. So the Tamraz springs fit OK as a mono replacement?
The four leaf springs I used are multi leafs. I swapped the rear end for an 8.5 inch with multi leaf perches at the same time and the 4 leaf springs fit perfect with Energy Suspension multi leaf poly pads.

If you don’t want to swap out your 8.2 ten bolt Detroit Speed & Engineering makes a mono to multi leaf conversion kit (http://www.detroitspeed.com/productpages/indproduct/rearsuspensionprod/mono_to_multi_prod.htm) that is designed for using multi leaf springs on mono perches.

I just found out that if you pay by credit card when ordering from JCW, if the springs don't ship within 60 days of your order, they automatically cancel your order.

I ordered on 1/15, and they have back ordered several times and just cancelled. I went ahead and reordered again. The current ship date is 4/1. We'll see.

I have potentially bad news guys.

The JCW springs are the exact same springs I put in my car a few years back. I bought them from Vette Brakes in FL. I called them this afternoon to see if they still sold them. They told me they are discontinued.

The springs are made by Triangle. http://www.triangleusa.com/products.html

I called Triangle, gave them the part number and sure enough they are discontinued.

I suspect this is affecting your JCW order and I wouldn't hold my breath expecting them to ship from JCW.

UPDATE 1:

Did a little more digging.

The kind lady at JCW told me the springs are sourced from a company called John R. Spring Service out of Michigan. The part number is still the same, 21-245.

http://www.johnrspring.com/leafsprings.htm

So I called up John R. Spring and another kind lady told me they have been out since August 2006 and have no idea if/when they will get anymore. She did give the the number to their parts dept. I called and spoke to Steve and he confirmed that part is no longer available and he didn't really have another part that would cross reference. He made the comment "nobody is making a full taper 3 spring mono anymore". If you want to call him here is the number: 248-588-7200

UPDATE 2:

So I called my local driveline guy and he said that Dallas Spring (http://www.dallasspring.com/) sells them. I called Dallas Spring and sure enough they have some in the warehouse, the part number is 21-245R. The lady on the phone was very helpful and the specs are the same as the 21-245, she even said the catalog lists them for 67-69 Camaros. They don't sell to the public but if you call them she can direct you to a local source that does.

UPDATE 3:

I just got off the phone with St. Louis Spring (http://saintlouisspring.com/) and they have them in stock for $96.89 each. They sell to the public. I asked if they were made in the USA or Mexico, he said they make them in house.

Good luck guys!

Great detective work there Funk! :thumbsup: I'm glad I ordered my JCW three leafs before all of this...

Thanks for all of the research Funk!!

I called Dallas Springs and they had a distributor not too far away that had them in stock. I just picked them up this morning and cancelled my JCW order.

Glad it worked out Erik. You will enjoy the springs. Post pics when you get them installed.

Another member just pointed out to me that I have a set of these springs used listed over on the classifieds:

http://www.camaros.net/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=25345&cat=8

If someone here can use them let me know and we can work something out. I realize that referencing a for sale item here may be improper so if it is please delete the post.

Not an advterisment just another resource:
http://1967-81camarocarparts.com/catalogPDFs/F1%2006%20suspension.pdf

Classic Muscle sells 3,4,5 leaf leaf springs

1 - REPLACEMENT LEAF SPRINGS
*Note: Also see Correct Reproduction Spring Sets.
*Note: All leaf springs have front eye bushing installed.
67-69 252R Multi 3 Leaf Set
(will replace mono leaf) ...........................119.95 pr.
67-69 252A Multi 4 Leaf Set .......................................119.95 pr.
67-69 K00034 Multi 5 Leaf Set .........................................98.95 pr.

Eaton Detroit Spring sells a 3 leaf spring with 175 lb/inch rate.
It's not listed in their catalog, you have to call them.
David

David,

How much are they?

pdq67

Their catalog says mono,3,4,5 and provides 1 price 200ish, I am going to give them a call tomorrow.

I saw it at SEMA and asked their engineer what the rate was. It's a performance street 3 leaf spring at 175 lbs. I don't know the ride height it would yield but they should be able to answer any questions.
David

If that's $200/per spring, I'd go w/ Chicane's springs instead!!

pdq67

I just got off the phone with Gary @ Eaton Spring...

They do make a 3 leaf setup (non performance) $289.00 pair, he said they sold perhaps 4 pair in the last 3 years. They sell the 4 leaf performance set up the most for the 1st gen camaros @ $439.00 pair.

That sounds like more justification to buying a 5 spring setup for around $100.00 pair and removing the middle leaf!

Too bad they are so high, the Hotchkis leafs are $387.00 from Summit and the shipping would be cheaper. They had a 3 leaf on display at SEMA, but I guess the perf spring they told me about was a 4 leaf...
Sorry for the confusion.
David

How do all these different spngs mentioned compare to Hotchkis 3 leaf springs (2407C). I got a kit from Jegs I think maybe 6 years ago and I'm finally getting brave enough to tackle it. I'l be swapping out the 8.2 mono leaf for a 8.5 Nova and maybe doing SFC at the same time.
I have a few other questions about this whole process that I haven't found specific enough answers to yet in older threads. I started another thread about the right sequence if any of y'all have suggestions I'd appreciate them.

OK,

I want to put the order in NOW for the 3-leaf replacements for my mono but am now more confused than ever.

I go to JCW site and it says they will ship in 3 days, is this not the case? are they discontinued?

Also, I haven't found an install kit for mono's, just multi-leafs, where can I get the kit for mono's?

Basically, I have 40 year old parts on my '68 and need to know what all to get to do this swap correctly.

I thank you in advance for any help that you can give me.

DV

I just bought the Hotchkis rear leafs for my car. They came on Friday. I have mono leafs on my 67 now. The hotchkis springs come with everything you need to install. And i think they are a better spring than than JCW. Bit more $$ though. $379
Im in the process of installing them now.

Craig,

I followed your thread on that, so I hope I can learn something there.
I think I'm going to take the Hotchkis route.

Any tips you can think of would be great. I'll keep refering to your other thread as well.

The JCW/Triangle springs are nice because they will fit in a mono perch and there is no bolt head on the top of the spring to interfere with the mono perch.

The JCW/Triangle springs are nice because they will fit in a mono perch and there is no bolt head on the top of the spring to interfere with the mono perch.

The upper pad accounts for the upper bolt on the mono perch. I talked to Hotchkis in depth about this as i was also concerned.

Dustin,
You will love the Hotchkis springs. I can not believe the difference. I will post some tips, as its fresh in my mind, in the other thread as not to bog this one down.

The upper pad accounts for the upper bolt on the mono perch. I talked to Hotchkis in depth about this as i was also concerned.

Craig,

So the upper pad provides enough clearance in the perch that the bolt head does not contact the top of the perch? I assume the bottom of the spring "locks" into the shock plate somehow.

It's been awhile since I researched the Hotchkis springs.

Hi. Anyone looking for 3 leaf springs theres a guy on ebay selling them @$99.50 each plus shipping. Says he has them in stock. His user id is beattiespring.

Craig,

So the upper pad provides enough clearance in the perch that the bolt head does not contact the top of the perch?.

Thats correct. I wasnt sure if the pad was sufficient to compensate for the upper bolt and when i called Hotchkis they told me yes indeed it was. There is also a pad for the bottom of the spring to go between it and shock plate. They told me a lot of people leave this pad off...especially on higher HP cars. The centering bolt on the bottom of the spring sticks thru the hole in the center of the shock plate. I did not use the bottom pad. They told me to tighten down the U bolts real good with a breaker bar and i should be good to go. Thats what i did...so far..so good.

Hi. Anyone looking for 3 leaf springs theres a guy on ebay selling them @$99.50 each plus shipping. Says he has them in stock. His user id is beattiespring.

Much appreciated. I haven't ordered the Hotchkis yet, now I'm cornfused again.

I never would have found them on Ebay either since he spelled Camaro wrong.

I never would have found them on Ebay either since he spelled Camaro wrong.


you can find some good stuff on ebay and craigslist when you search "camero" ;)

What about the springs that "Classic" offers, they are in stock and cost less than JC Whit
They have 3 different ratings, up to a 5 leaf

Could I use this for the conversion?

http://www.rickscamaros.com/product.asp?pf_id=DS-64&dept_id=3510&cm_mmc=RFGEmail_08-_-NewProd06-_-Prod-_-DS64

Sure.

pdq67

This is awesome info! I'm glad I found this thread. I just want to be clear though before I start ordering parts. I have a full mono 67' and I want to replace with multis as a direct swap. I need a pair of 3-leaf JCW springs (ZX942669X at JCW.com) and that’s it? If My pads and bushings are all good do I need new pads anyway? If so, do I want Multi or Mono pads? Can I use the existing tbolts or are ubolts essential? I use my car as a daily driver and don't need extra strength for hard acceleration. I see that JCW has free standard shipping again which covers Canada (minus $11.99 surcharge) so I would like to get on this asap.

Sorry for rehashing this but the thread reads that some people suggest only the springs are necessary and others say pads need to be ordered and trimmed. I just want to get the right stuff the first time.

Thanks!

Ian67 I am with you "CONFUSED" It almost sounds as though the Hoskins setup is the route to go as it is a complete kit, but spendy. I am still thinking about just adding a helper spring to mine and keep the factory original mono. Still in limbo on this point though. Lets keep this thread going a little longer for those of us who are "Suspensionally challenged". Thanks

I'm installing the JCW 3 leaf springs now. I bought all new bushings and pads to install with the springs. You have to trim the lip off the spring pads because the JCW springs are wider than the mono leafs. So far this part of the install is going well. I have to get longer t-bolts or switch to u-bolts for the spring perches because the JCW springs are thicker than the monoleafs. The stock t-bolts are to short to work.
It looks like the ride height will go up by about an inch over the monoleafs.
Good luck.

Craig-
I'd like to hear in detail about the ride/handling difference when you are done.
Thanks.

Tom,
I will give a short report on the springs when I get done. It will be about 1 week. We are having a snow storm so this is good timing for me to be working on the car. Camaros might possibly be the worst car to drive in snow and ice.
Merry Christmas everyone. Craig.

Craig,

I'd highly recommend at least one U bolt per side.

And get a set of the clip-nuts here...

http://www.rickscamaros.com/product.asp?pf_id=RC-469&dept_id=3510

They should be the good ones!! This is important!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please look at the Clip-Nut sticky here too!

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=83635

pdq67

I am interested in swapping out my old springs as well both front and rear. I want it to go up a little, and not be so soft, I took measurements from axle to bumb stop bolts, and from lower control arm pivot bolt to ball joint mounting surface as per manual, but my book didn't give clear specs for 67 camaros, just 70 and later. Any ideas or suggestions? Whats the diff 3,4,or 5 leaf springs Ive seen all listed?

Ian,

If I had this to do over again b/c now I have new JCW, 3-leaf mono replacement leafs under my car that I have added the 2nd and 3rd leaf's out of my stock, worn out '68 'Bird multi-leafs to better match my about 525 pound cut MOOG 5536 front coils! (BB car here now!!)....

I would use a pair of good stock mono's and a new pair of slappers that slapped right under the middle of the spring eyes and coil-over shock, overload springs and be done w/ it like I did up until I hung onna my slappers on a RR rail ball at a RR crossing and broke onna my mono's!

This stock, lightweight combination, flat works down to like the low 10's is all, imho and the price is right!

pdq67

I am in process of changing the rear springs in my 67 RS. Besides bushings and shackles, what els did you change, can you use monoleaf mounts with multleaf springs, any other tips?

You can use the monoleaf shock plates, perches, etc, with the JCW style 3-leafs.

I've read through every string on the mono to multi leaf conversion and boy is there a lot of info! I was wondering if there is anyone who has done a conversion from mono or multi leaf to any other type of suspension like 4-link, independent rear suspension (IRS), rear coil-over, etc. I have a '68 coupe and have redone the entire front with Global West upper and lower tubular A-arms, QA-1 coil-over shocks, and Hotchkis 1 1/8" sway bar. I'm not sure what would best compliment this in the rear for overall handling. I currently have mono leafs. It is a street car and that is where the focus of my suspension upgrades will be, but I would like to eventually take it to the strip or track on the weekends at some point. About ten years ago I did swap out the original sagging monos with a pair of monos from the swap meet that have solid aluminum bushings and were only used on a drag car. I just don't know if I should stick with what I have and upgrade to poly pads and bushings, swap to multi leafs, or swap to something else. Any suggestions?

Earl
Ewa Beach, HI

I'm sorry I took so long to give my report on the JCW springs.
I ended up switching out to u-bolts instead of trying to find t-bolts to fit. I went to the junk yard and scrounged through the pile of u-bolts till I found a set. I had to drill out the top and bottom spring plates to fit the larger diameter u-bolts. What I don't like about using the mono leaf brackets on multi leaf springs is that the bottom spring plate didn't bottom out to the top spring plate due to the extra thickness of the JCW spring over the mono leaf. The rubber spring pads keep compressing. You can never get the nut tight enough. I ended up double nutting the nuts on the u-bolts so I wouldn't have to worry about them backing out.
I have to say I was disappointed in the ride height of the car. I don't have the before and after measurements with me of the fender lip (I'm away at work) but the JCW springs raised the ride height 2 3/8 inches. I wasn't looking for that. My car looks how my 68 Camaro with air shocks did back in 1974 in high school. I wanted more of a pro touring look.
I only drove the car about 2 miles. I actually liked the ride over the old mono leafs. The mono leafs had a kind of dead sacked out feel. The JCW's felt better over bumps and had a more controlled ride. You could feel the difference sitting in the car, it felt nose down. I wish it didn't have the increased ride height.
I had a 78 Camaro that I put a Herb Adams suspension kit on back in 79. To lower the rear just a bit without changing springs, the rear spring shackles had new holes drilled in them closer to the middle. I might look into trying this when I get home. Or I might just put the mono leafs back in until I figure out what spring I want to get. Hope this helps anyone thinking about the switch. Craig.

Here's some more info about these springs. As all should know the price of these really went up on JCW.Something like 109.00 apiece. Using information from pdg67 I did a Google search on the part number 21-245 and found several places that are using the same part number and are the same 3 leaf springs. Found them in price from 165.00 a pair to 300.00 a pair. I am currently trying to find out what shipping costs would be for me on the lower priced ones. They are available from http://www.internetautosupply.com/catalog/pair-camaro-leaf-rear-springs-21245-p-3941.html

I'm sorry I took so long to give my report on the JCW springs.
I ended up switching out to u-bolts instead of trying to find t-bolts to fit. I went to the junk yard and scrounged through the pile of u-bolts till I found a set. I had to drill out the top and bottom spring plates to fit the larger diameter u-bolts. What I don't like about using the mono leaf brackets on multi leaf springs is that the bottom spring plate didn't bottom out to the top spring plate due to the extra thickness of the JCW spring over the mono leaf. The rubber spring pads keep compressing. You can never get the nut tight enough. I ended up double nutting the nuts on the u-bolts so I wouldn't have to worry about them backing out.
I have to say I was disappointed in the ride height of the car. I don't have the before and after measurements with me of the fender lip (I'm away at work) but the JCW springs raised the ride height 2 3/8 inches. I wasn't looking for that. My car looks how my 68 Camaro with air shocks did back in 1974 in high school. I wanted more of a pro touring look.
I only drove the car about 2 miles. I actually liked the ride over the old mono leafs. The mono leafs had a kind of dead sacked out feel. The JCW's felt better over bumps and had a more controlled ride. You could feel the difference sitting in the car, it felt nose down. I wish it didn't have the increased ride height.
I had a 78 Camaro that I put a Herb Adams suspension kit on back in 79. To lower the rear just a bit without changing springs, the rear spring shackles had new holes drilled in them closer to the middle. I might look into trying this when I get home. Or I might just put the mono leafs back in until I figure out what spring I want to get. Hope this helps anyone thinking about the switch. Craig.


Problem is , you're comparing 40+ year old springs to new ones. Yes they ride better, yes they raise the rear (to a near stock height),and yes you could take out a short spring or two and it "may" lower it.

Did you tighten your rear down after you put her on the ground and bounced her several times?

B/c, if not, you may have tightened her into bushing bind so that they are actually holding her up in the rear.

My JCW springs sat level on my car and to me were a tad soft, only b/c my car has had coil-over shock, overload springs on it for years so was always raised about 4" or so b/c of my large by huge L-60's that measure a modern 298/53-14!

I therefore added the 2nd and 3rd leaf's from my worn out '68 'Bird's 5-leaf multi's to raise her and now she's up like it always was and stiff as a board back there. I will have to see how I like her?

To finish an earlier post Classic Car Springs wants 55.00 to ship a pair of springs to Texas. It seems a little high. Considering that the spring price and shipping are about equal to what JC Whitney is charging with free shipping there isn't the savings I had hoped for. It would be interesting if a few others might see what shipping is to various points to find out if CLassic Car Springs is charging actual shipping or a set price.

Free shipping again today...Not sure how long it will last-

Just an update. www.carparts.com has these 3 leaf springs (21-245) for $153.92/pair with free shipping!

I purchased the 3-leaf springs from Camaro Central. They are marked 21-245 also. I measured the new springs and my old mono springs. I thought this info may be helpful to some, so here it is. The mono spring is .510" thick at the axle mounting position. Each pad is .295" thick. So the entire assembly (spring and 2 pads) measures approx. 1.1" thick, and the mono spring perch is designed for this stock thickness. The 21-245 3 leaf replacement spring is .990" thick. Adding a top and bottom pad would make the entire assembly 1.58" thick which is .48 " thicker than the original mono spring setup. This is why the original t-bolts are too short. My thought is to omit one pad, so that the overall thickness is 1.285" Hopefully this will allow the original t-bolts to work ok. Omitting the upper pad would raise the car by the .295", so I plan to omit the lower pad instead.

The other difference in the replacement springs is that they are a constant 2.5" wide from tip to tip. The mono springs had a hour-glass taper to them. The mono springs are 2.75 inches wide at the rear shackle loop, and narrower at the axle mounting area (maybe 2.2" or so). This means that modifications must be made to accomodate the width variations. The new springs come with front bushings pressed in. These bushings are designed to be the same width as the mono spring, so it should just bolt into the cups. At the axle, the pad(s) need to be modified by cutting off the sides of the pads. At the rear shackle, either spacers must be used before the bushings are installed, or extra-long poly bushings can be used. If you use the original bushings without any spacers, the total width of the bushings will be .25" shorter than the original and may cause to side-to-side movement of the body.

Hope this is helpful.

Jukey3,
Thats how mine was done with the 8.2 and mono perches... left out the bottom pad and trimmed the top ears. Worked fine.
But did use u-bolts and not t-bolts.

Good Stuff, Jukey. Thanks. My springs should arrive today.

Just an update. www.carparts.com (http://www.carparts.com) has these 3 leaf springs (21-245) for $153.92/pair with free shipping!

Be advised. I ordered the springs 10/6. They were "in stock and would ship in 24 hours" according to the website. Now they advise they will ship 10/16??? I've emailed for an explanation that I am not confident I will receive. I hope there is a simple mistake but until I know for sure, I can't advise anyone to use this site to order.

Nova springs are a little taller than the original first gen springs, they will actually be 3/4 - 1-1/2 inch taller than the original camaro springs installed. I think the stance is perfect for a steet car that way though. just a FYI.

Be advised. I ordered the springs 10/6. They were "in stock and would ship in 24 hours" according to the website. Now they advise they will ship 10/16??? I've emailed for an explanation that I am not confident I will receive. I hope there is a simple mistake but until I know for sure, I can't advise anyone to use this site to order.

The company responded to my email apologetically saying the website was not showing in real time...:sad:
The springs are supposed to ship on 10/16. We shall see...

I have a 1969 Camaro with Mono Leafs...I am going to purchase the Multi 3 from Carparts. What else will I need to purchase to have a successful installation?

Thanks

Thanks for all this information!

I'm glad I checked this out before I got started, and now I have a new twist.

Long story short, I ordered the following from JCW (they arrived almost instantly)

865317 HIGH LIFT LEAF SPRINGS 68-72 CHEVY

I did this because I was looking to raise the rear about 2 inches from what it is now. But I don't think I yet realize how low the rear has sunk over the years. (It has the original mono leaf currently). I am also not looking for the 'over-pressurized air shock' look, but was hoping for the 'solid as a rock' look that the right stance gives.

I get the picture I think about what to expect as I transition to the multi from the mono, but are there any thoughts about this spring height? I'm thinking perhap I want to remove 1 or 2 leafs before I even get started...?? These are 5 leaf springs.

The company responded to my email apologetically saying the website was not showing in real time...:sad:
The springs are supposed to ship on 10/16. We shall see...

Any update Tom? The web site states mine will ship in Nov sometime.

How long ago did you use that part number?

Is that the online catalog?

The company responded to my email apologetically saying the website was not showing in real time...:sad:
The springs are supposed to ship on 10/16. We shall see...

My springs are now backordered. :mad: They(carparts.com) are saying they should ship 10/26. Customer service response has been "OK".

Still no springs. And no response after 2 status inquiries. I don't recommend using this vendor. I think I am gonna can this idea and go with the Hotchkis springs...

My springs just arrived!:hurray:

They appear to be well made and are marked with the 21-245 number in paint although carparts.com uses part number 942669. The front bushings are pressed in already. I know what I'm doing this weekend.:yes:

I'd say OK to use this vendor but don't expect parts to be in stock.