Leaf spring separation? - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Fully Vetted · 04-01-2013

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:

It looks a lot worse from the rear/side:

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 · 04-01-2013

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 · 04-01-2013

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 · 04-01-2013

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 · 04-01-2013

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 · 04-01-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Daniel

Fully Vetted · 04-02-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

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.

04-01-2013	#1
Fully Vetted Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Rockwall, Tx Posts: 1,510	Leaf spring separation? 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: It looks a lot worse from the rear/side: 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? __________________ _________________ 1994 AB/Grey #141 430 RWHP/392 RWTQ FBI Lyposuction / Secondaries relieved of duty / SW Long Tube Headers / Corsa Exhaust / FIC SS Injectors / MSD Coils / Lightweight Pulleys / Corey tuned B & M Shifter / Aluminum Flywheel / Samco Hoses / Shelby Series One's / C4 No Flex Frame Stiffener BBC - Bling By Carter: Custom ZR-1 Center Caps / Custom Plenum Plate / Air Box Knobs / TB Cover / Oil Filter Cover

04-01-2013	#2
WVZR-1 Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,890	Re: Leaf spring separation? 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! Last edited by WVZR-1; 04-01-2013 at 10:45 AM.

04-01-2013	#3
Jim Nolan Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 241	Re: Leaf spring separation? 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).

04-01-2013	#4
ZR-1nce removed Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Gettysburg, PA Posts: 247	Re: Leaf spring separation? 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 __________________ 90 ZR-1 #0951 Bright Red (sold) 06 Z51 MN6 Velocity Yellow (sold) 2023 C-8 Z51 ELB WAZOO Member

04-01-2013	#5
CJ_ZR1 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Pineville, Louisiana Posts: 57	Re: Leaf spring separation? 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. __________________ CJ Daniel [B]1991[/B] ZR-1 #834 [COLOR=royalblue][B]Steel Blue Metallic/Steel Blue[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=red]Frank Approved ZR-1[/COLOR] [SIZE=1]- Ported air horn, throttle body, plenum and injector housings (Tommy Morrison)[/SIZE] [SIZE=1]- FIC SS Injectors / Nology hot wires / Screemin Deamin coils[/SIZE] [SIZE=1]- Fluidyne aluminum radiator and 9 row aluminum oil cooler[/SIZE] [SIZE=1]- 4.10 gears / Fidanza light weight flywheel / Hurst short throw shifter[/SIZE] [SIZE=1]- Stainless Works long tube headers / Borla exhaust with x-pipe[/SIZE] [SIZE=1]- DRM Coilovers / 32mm front 26mm rear sway bars[/SIZE] [SIZE=1]- ASM bolt in 4 point roll bar[/SIZE] [SIZE=1]- 93 ZR-1 Sawblades[/SIZE]