Leaf spring separation?

[Fully Vetted]

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this but I was installing my wheels yesterday and notice what appears to be my leaf spring separating.

Here's the view from the top:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=215&pictureid=2104




It looks a lot worse from the rear/side:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=215&pictureid=2106


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=215&pictureid=2105


I'm curious if this is just superficial or if it's something that needs to be addressed sooner than later? I figured I would measure it and keep an eye on it.

What are your thoughts?

[WVZR-1]

I'd say that sooner rather than later but I believe NOW might be more descriptive of the attention it needs. You need to determine what you would like to do.

Replace it with a take-off and there should be many available probably quite close, maybe consider the upgrade to a coil-over package or maybe even an after-market replacement and there are maybe a couple different choices there also. Decisions!

The spring should be an RHY code that would be '92 - '95 all ZR-1 and a '96 coupe with FE3. You might use that to shop maybe VBP or some others to gather a plan. Your season in Texas is already started I'd think so it's "time" and judging from the appearance in the snapshots, like I mentioned NOW.

If you deal with it now it's a minor inconvenience. If you just "keep an eye on it" it can and will likely bite you, it might not be just an inconvenience then. It could be catastrophic!

[Jim Nolan]

Years ago I had seen something close to this on 2 early 80's model front spring. The result of using strong engine cleaners (chemical).

[ZR-1nce removed]

I found the same problem on mine 3 years ago when I was replacing my clutch. I called Marc Haibeck and he had a take off part that he sold me. Replacing the spring is a piece of cake. Get new bushings while you're at it. Good Luck

[CJ_ZR1]

Removed leaf springs from my car last week. I am in the process of installing coilovers. They look to be in good shape, let me know if you might be interested. I can take a few pics to send ya.

[Daniel_Mc]

Removed leaf springs from my car last week. I am in the process of installing coilovers. They look to be in good shape, let me know if you might be interested. I can take a few pics to send ya.


BTW CJ's springs are Z07 springs, it would be a nice upgrade.

Daniel

[WVZR-1]

BTW CJ's springs are Z07 springs, it would be a nice upgrade.

Daniel

You mentioned "springs". That would make the rear an NYU? The front would be a what for code? What are the actual codes on the springs I guess I should ask?

[Daniel_Mc]

You mentioned "springs". That would make the rear an NYU? The front would be a what for code? What are the actual codes on the springs I guess I should ask?

I'll check the codes on the springs tonight and get pictures. The front spring is still in the car.

Daniel

[Blue Flame Restorations]

I think I would replace that spring ASAP. Doesn't look road worthy any longer.

[CJ_ZR1]

You mentioned "springs". That would make the rear an NYU? The front would be a what for code? What are the actual codes on the springs I guess I should ask?

I'll check the codes on the springs tonight and get pictures. The front spring is still in the car.

After checking the codes on both front and rear leaf springs they both appear to be stock ZR-1 springs.

Front spring code:
http://imageshack.us/a/img716/322/img950117.jpg

Rear spring code:
http://imageshack.us/a/img825/4071/img950122.jpg

Rear spring:
http://imageshack.us/a/img6/6685/img0119km.jpg

[WVZR-1]

Those codes (FHA & NYR) match what I have that are removed from a 12K '91.

[Fully Vetted]

I'd say that sooner rather than later but I believe NOW might be more descriptive of the attention it needs. You need to determine what you would like to do.

Replace it with a take-off and there should be many available probably quite close, maybe consider the upgrade to a coil-over package or maybe even an after-market replacement and there are maybe a couple different choices there also. Decisions!

The spring should be an RHY code that would be '92 - '95 all ZR-1 and a '96 coupe with FE3. You might use that to shop maybe VBP or some others to gather a plan. Your season in Texas is already started I'd think so it's "time" and judging from the appearance in the snapshots, like I mentioned NOW.

If you deal with it now it's a minor inconvenience. If you just "keep an eye on it" it can and will likely bite you, it might not be just an inconvenience then. It could be catastrophic!

I agree completely. I feel fortunate I noticed it BEFORE my trip to BG. It'd be stupid to not replace it before a long road trip. It's not worth the gamble.

Thanks, guys.