I have searched all posts but still have questions. I am removing from my 69 camaro a 8.2 mono leaf rear and installing a 8.5 multi leaf out of a 72 nova. I think I want to install multi leaf springs at the same time instead of using a spacer but have a few questions. Will this be an exact swap? Do I want 3, 4 or 5 leaf springs? Do I need anything else for the swap? Will the ride height change? I know many of you have done this. My new rear end will be here in a week or so and I want to be ready. Also, any ideas on the best place to buy a set of multi leafs? Thanks for any info and advice. Ron

Your driveshaft may need shortening, but some folks have had luck using the original. The 8.5 is longer (front-to-rear) than the 8.2 by an inch or less, & some driveshafts may be a little short from the factory, allowing them to be used without modification.

Ride height is determined by the springs. My only experience with new leaf springs is with new GM springs, which sagged so fast you could almost watch them drop. Luckily, they don't make them any more.

Did this exact swap and this is some of what I found.

on the 72' nova rear the spring perch is made to accommidate a 5 leaf spring and two rubber bushings. Not knowing that i ordered my replacement springs 3 leaf because new tech springs require less leafs. Problem with that is now you springs are thinner then the perch was designed for and your rear will slide off the dowels (had it happen..)

Also the nova may have a thicker lower spring plate. if you can get them I would use them. or order them online.

I did have to change my driveshaft length but I did a trans swap as well so I needed it.

Had I to do it over again I would do this:
Nova rear
the thick lower spring plates
and ****Springs**** this is the key thing I would have done different and how I will fix my problems. Now, Eaton Detroit Spring was a OE manufactuer (according to thier web site... camaro guru's don't shoot me for saying so) Anyway they will custom de-arch the new stock spec multi leaf springs (5 leaf) to customer specs. The cost was around $200 if I remember correctly. they have a website and I urge you to check them out.

the car's rear has been a pain in my rear for years now. Feel free to e-mail me for specific questions or pictures of what I'm talking about.

bmpaul68@hotmail.com

When I did this Hotchis had not come out with the kit.. also in retrospect I would have stayed monoleaf and used the hotchkis kit.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/ordering2.htm

here's a link to thier page on how to order. Man, had I to do it over again this would have saved me sooooo much trouble.

Stock spring cost is $200 and a minimum $60 to de-arch. I would have gladly paid $300 for 5 leaf springs with a 1.5" drop that fit in the perch.

Next time I'm in michigan I'm ordering a set to fix my setup. What I have in there now is a mess.