Okay Guy's need your advice and input.
I have read all the posts regarding this subject. I'm ready to replace my rear springs
but have a few questions. Can one side be done at a time or is it bettter to jack the car up and replace both together. Is it necessary to remove the gas tank, it doesnt appear to be in the way. Chiltons reccomends installing everthing loosely and tightning up with the car on the ground, does this sound right.Is it necessary to remove the wheels. And any advice or tips, I really want to do this myself but am still considering a local shop.
Thanks,
Charlie

Jack the car up and support with jack stands by the rear frame rails, just in front of the the leaf spring eye. Then support the rear end with jack stands. At this point unbolt the wheels and shocks. Then place the jack under the front section of the leaf spring and unbolt it from the frame. Once this is done go the rear of the leaf spring and undo the shackle and pry the bolt out of the bushing, do the one with the head facing towards the center of the car first. I may be leaving a few steps out but you will be able to figure them out as you go. What ever you do don't unbolt the rear end housing without supporting the body of the car or it will fall on you head.

Steve R.

Dropping the gas tank is not hard plus it gives you the oppurtunity to replace the anti-squeak. To drop the tank:
1) soak the strap bolts for sevral days with liquid wrench
2) empty the tank (probally will need to siphon or run the car until empty if possible)
3)disconnect the gas line (maybe a vent line also)
4) diconnect gas gage electric (ground and power)
5) loosen the strap bolts (need deep socket)
6) support the tank with floor jack or a friend
7) remove strap bolts rest of the way, then remove straps from studs
8) lower the tank (make sure everything is disconnected)
9) clean up the tank, paint it, and put on new anti squeak (classic industries sells anti squeak kits and replacement strap bolts if they break)
10) reverse steps to install (of course after the leafs are replaced)

PS Use poly leaf spring bushings

Have fun


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68SS ZZ4, 4sp T-10, 12 bolt, getting painted

78Z28, 330hp vortec, TH350, 10 bolt (just finished)

Charlie, as most of us who have removed the rear springs know, there is one point that wasn't mentioned. When removing the front spring eye bracket, you will most likely break the eye nuts inside the frame rail when removing the bolts. (if not, then you are one of the lucky few) While this can be a pain in the a$$, it's not a big deal. If they break (you'll know it when they do) http://www.camaros.net/forum/frown.gif , then you will have to cut the head of the bolts off with a die grinder or something similar. Then with a needle nose pliers and a small awl, just remove what's left from the square hole. You can buy new clip nuts & bolts from all the camaro parts re-sellers. The front spring eye bushing will need pressed out & the new one pressed in (unless you use poly). Other than that, it's an easy job that the back yard mechanic can do in an afternoon. (depending on beer intake http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif)
Good Luck!

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67 Camaro LS6 454/TH400/12bolt 3.73

Heh...I must be REALLY lucky. Broke my front bracket bolts loose with a 3/8" hand ratchet and screwed em out by hand!

Like I said...REALLY lucky! http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif

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Steve McCorry - Central Ohio Camaro Club
'69 Camaro RS/SS-350 - Daytona Yellow
'95 Camaro Z-28 - Sebring Silver

That is the good thing about California/Arizona cars. Did you ever get a chance to do you trunk floor?

Steve R.

Thanks everyone,I'm half way through
it and now realize my car was originally
equiped with mono springs. Someone before
me just bolted on 4 leaf and got the lower
shock mounting plate as close as possible.
Nothings ever easy -
Charlie

I'm changing the subject now... I just got a new trunk floor a few weeks ago, and it looks great ! It looks like a brand new floor from the factory, complete with speckle paint. (only better) Let me know if you want to know more. I'm about to do my rear leaf springs too, and wanted the trunk finished before I started tearing into the suspension.

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Shawn Peterson
1969 Z28, 406SB
http://www.geocities.com/corsican69

Steve R....yeah...finished putting the trunk pan in last week. Working on sealing the seams and painting it this weekend. It turned out better than I could've hoped for...

Almost time to fire her up! Whooohooo! http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif

Congratulations. Are there many springtime events in your area?

Steve R.

I am going the the Chicago Chevy/Vette swap meet this weekend....and Springfield, Ohio is always good....

Steve