68 RS. Today I had a passenger in my back seat and one in the front. Every time I hit the smallest bump I heard a loud knocking sound. I jacked up the car and took a look when I got home and saw that the U Clamp holding my muffler was banging against the leaf springs on both sides. You can see the red arrow pointing to the spot that is hitting the leaf spring.

What I am trying to figure out is if I get new leaf springs and new bushings would this create a bigger gap between the u clamp and the leaf spring and fix the problem???? They are original leaf springs and suspension parts.

I like the multi leaf springs but my car has a direct spring to axle mounting instead of using u-bolts over the axle. Looks like there is only room for a mono leaf.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3754003692_639bf0e157.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3753205939_d9fed7d646.jpg

Here is the state of the current suspension, looks like more than a mono leaf will not fit.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3753288721_ffb96e37fc.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3754003722_50859b2882.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3753205983_8ab5b99e8f.jpg

I'd get the exhaust system redone.

why is there a clamp right above the spring, and why is the pipe that close?
you could try turning the clamp so the big side is away from the spring, or get the joint welded and ditch the clamp altogether.

The shape of the exhaust is wrong
2 fixes
1/ get it reshaped
2/ Weld a flat bracket to the pipe, that goes straight up to the floor bolt but replace the floor bolt with a straight thru rubber mount, threads at each end....
I use mounts from a 1960s morris/austen mini

...or get the joint welded and ditch the clamp altogether.

Doesn't look like there is a joint there. Clamp looks like its just holding up the pipe. If thats the case, then just move the clamp to a spot with more clearance. It should still support the pipes the same.

Doesn't look like there is a joint there. Clamp looks like its just holding up the pipe. If thats the case, then just move the clamp to a spot with more clearance. It should still support the pipes the same.

I will try moving the clamp farther from the rear for more clearance. Installing new leaf springs and shackles/bushings tomorrow. Thanks guys, by the way, check out this thread.....

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=162126

This was a good post about the Leaf Spring (http://www.car-stuff.com/leafspring.htm) in order to really see the Muffler being catch up very well. In a way, you can really see what to do and in order to not really messed up the car parts. Good job in this one!

Just use a hose clamp... it'll hold.

Just a suggestion... lower that front end ! (car shown in other thread)

Your car would have been a great candidate for the JC Wittney 3 leave springs. http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=122050

You probably would have needed to change to U-bolts on the axle instead of the T bolts.

X2 on springs and maybe use some of the new slim band clamps and yes, those pipes are plumbed too low or wrong. Needs new bushings too, poly would work well.

Juble clips can tend to give way when you least want them to
To get around u clamps, I have welded a tab onto the exhaust pipe and the hangers bolt directly to that
If u move the u clamp u will find the new angle will pull the exhaust in directions clearance will be an issue else where
Been there done that, and changing the shape with a gas axe..thats a pain.
The last exhaust I made up (2 1/2") is one piece welded from bottom on manifilds to tail
The one before had issues with adult pasengers in the back...now I put a 90 kg bag of sand in the center of the rear seat...then shape and hang
When I need to replace mufflers I cut either end of the old muffler with power hacksaw or pipe cutter, put the new muffler up on a stand in place then weld it in place except the top edge...then drop the pipes off the hangers and have just enough room to mig across the top...re hang and drive out.