I just installed the hotchkis leaf springs on my 68 camaro with multi-leaf spring perches on a l2 bolt. I noticed the tires are not centered in the opening, but are towards the front. I figured I could live with that but I thought I'd check the slack in my turbo 350 output shaft. I loosened the rear u-joint and could only slide it forward maybe 1/8 in. That's not even enough to remove the drive shaft. Has anyone else had this problem? The rearend looks like it needs to go back about 1/2 in. or so to look better. I'm afraid if I left it this way that I might damage the transmission.
Hotchkis leaf spring problem
Danno
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I just installed the hotchkis leaf springs on my 68 camaro with multi-leaf spring perches on a l2 bolt. I noticed the tires are not centered in the opening, but are towards the front. I figured I could live with that but I thought I'd check the slack in my turbo 350 output shaft. I loosened the rear u-joint and could only slide it forward maybe 1/8 in. That's not even enough to remove the drive shaft. Has anyone else had this problem? The rearend looks like it needs to go back about 1/2 in. or so to look better. I'm afraid if I left it this way that I might damage the transmission.
I have the same problem with my 68. The rear end is too far forward. I have e-mailed Hotchkis but since my check has cleared they don't seem to care. I have not heard a word. I am thinking about drilling a new hole in spring plate to move the rear end back. Don't know what else to do unless someone else has a better idea. I need to come up with something soon since I want to drive the car soon.
Call Hotchkis. Email from most vendors isn't monitored well.
Have you pulled a measurement of the old vs new springs to see if it's the spring? I put the Hotchkis in my 69 and it went well. There was a little adjustment room between the front spring cup and the axle pin. Not 1/2" though.
How do the rear shackles look? Mine are ever so slightly angled forward on the bottom, not exactly vertical.
Have you pulled a measurement of the old vs new springs to see if it's the spring? I put the Hotchkis in my 69 and it went well. There was a little adjustment room between the front spring cup and the axle pin. Not 1/2" though.
How do the rear shackles look? Mine are ever so slightly angled forward on the bottom, not exactly vertical.
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15,378 Posts
Rickdef17 said:
There's nothing wrong with the springs. Maybe with how they're mounted, but just because he has an issue with the way his car went back together doesn't mean we all have to avoid purchasing a VERY good quality product such as Hotchkis manufactures. :clonk:
Many, many people have used these springs without any problem whatsoever.
Danno, make sure the center bolt going through the center of the leafs is seating properly in the center hole of the spring backets on the axles. This is meant to center the rear on the springs and keep the rear from moving forward and back.
Here's a dumb question, but could you have installed the springs backwards? Front to the rear.... rear to the front? Hotchkis leaf springs come with the front bushings already installed.
Like Rick says, once they're installed, the shackles usually angle a little forward or straight up and down. The rear bushing eye of the springs shouldn't touch the frame rails at any time through their travel.
I called hotchkis and gave them a measurement with springs on the car. Looks like there is a 3/4 in. difference from what they say I should have.
I removed the springs last night and will call back with some more measurements Monday. They offered to replace them if they're defective. I hope they can fix me up, but if not I will return them where I bought them. I don't want to shorten my driveshaft to use them.
I removed the springs last night and will call back with some more measurements Monday. They offered to replace them if they're defective. I hope they can fix me up, but if not I will return them where I bought them. I don't want to shorten my driveshaft to use them.
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15,378 Posts
See what a difference a couple phone calls makes? :thumbsup:
After several phone calls and taking the rear end out again, it was discovered the springs I got are too short. Hotchkiss is sending a new set and a call tag for the old ones. Glad I didn't move the rear end back. Hope this set works, winter is coming.
After talking to Hotchkis, seems like the specs are a little out on the springs. They are sending me another set to try and a shipping tag to send the others back. Hope these new ones work when I get them. They(Hotchkis) seem to really want to straighten this out. Will keep everyone informed.
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Danny
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Danny
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27,011 Posts
Just a note on the driveshaft If you have a stock trans and driveshaft you shouldn't have an issue with the shaft being too long after the lowering is complete. If you have done a trans swap or had a custom shaft made before the lowering your shaft could end up being just a bit long, just depends on how it fit before. It's wise to check out the play no matter what.
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10,183 Posts
Has anyone had pinion angle problems?
We installed Hotchkis leaf springs in my wife's 73 Camaro and had over 5 degrees mis-alignment.
David
We installed Hotchkis leaf springs in my wife's 73 Camaro and had over 5 degrees mis-alignment.
David
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15,378 Posts
What fun is that??
Got the replacement leaf springs in from Hotchkis today. Put them on and now they look right. The tires are centered in the wheel well and I can drop my driveshaft if I need to. I laid the new ones beside the first ones I got and there was a definite difference in the locating pin, maybe 1/2 in. The new springs are also about 1 in. longer in eye to eye length. Both sets have the same part number so I don't know what's going on. Hope this info may help someone else.
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7,195 Posts
That could be a problem....keith1365 said:
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