HD leaf springs vs stock leaf springs

[Ultrasummer]

Me again. I have the 1961 Chrysler Newport 4 door with the 361. Just looking this thing over, noticing it sits kind of low. When pondering if a new set of leaf springs might do it some good along with 4 new shocks, I read what I could on leaf springs on the forum. Pretty sure I have just regular plain jane leaf springs for this cruiser. I counted the leafs and thought there were 5 but I may have missed one translating to the 6 that come with the stock leaf springs. So my question is, would there ever be a reason why a 61 Chrysler Newport would come with HD leaf springs? Not sure what I'm going to do regarding shocks, vs leaf springs, vs both. Just wondering if there would be any benefit or why someone would need HD leaf springs on a car like this.

 

[furious70]

Shocks with not change ride height unless they are air shocks

 

[Ultrasummer]

Shocks with not change ride height unless they are air shocks

Thanks for the reply. I should have clarified that. This car was a barn find and sat for many years. I was just thinking being 58 or so years old, it probably deserves new shocks and possibly even new leaf springs.

 

[furious70]

Gotcha. I'd definitely put new shocks on for sure

 

[SIPLOWGUY]

Shocks with not change ride height unless they are air shocks

Glad to see someone agree with me! I've had a hard time convincing people of this.

 

[polara71]

Ive always said in this board one of the first things I did to a newly acquired old car was the suspension. That always included replacing the springs regardless of how they appeared. The more leafs the spring assembly has will add rigidity to the ride. It will also handle more load, in other words you could load up the trunk with less sag.
Replace the springs and the shock, you will be glad you did. The HD isnt necessary.

 

[Big_John]

Replacing the leaf springs and shocks is a good idea. HD isn't needed.

 

[ayilar]

I have replaced springs on a few fuselage C-bodies. HD does make the ride stiffer. If your car was originally equipped with regular springs and you decide to replace them, I would select the same kind that you originally had.

 

[Fury1969WI]

Are you sure it's the spring and not the body mounts or shackle? IDK how much rust you're dealing with and totally unfamiliar with the underside of a '61 anything, just trying to help you diagnose the cause of the sag. later 60s thru 70s Chrysler products the rear spring mounts would rust off/end up thru trunk pans, etc. I'm in the severe rust belt here (S. Wisconsin). Probably springs and if those are 64 year old parts won't hurt. Good luck!

 

[Toolmanmike]

Me again. I have the 1961 Chrysler Newport 4 door with the 361. Just looking this thing over, noticing it sits kind of low. When pondering if a new set of leaf springs might do it some good along with 4 new shocks, I read what I could on leaf springs on the forum. Pretty sure I have just regular plain jane leaf springs for this cruiser. I counted the leafs and thought there were 5 but I may have missed one translating to the 6 that come with the stock leaf springs. So my question is, would there ever be a reason why a 61 Chrysler Newport would come with HD leaf springs? Not sure what I'm going to do regarding shocks, vs leaf springs, vs both. Just wondering if there would be any benefit or why someone would need HD leaf springs on a car like this.

Answering the question in your title, HD springs usually just have an extra leaf. If stock springs are 5 leaf, the HD's are usually 6.

 

[ayilar]

Answering the question in your title, HD springs usually just have an extra leaf. If stock springs are 5 leaf, the HD's are usually 6.

On the 1970 Polara, it is 5 vs. 7 if memory serves.

 

[Toolmanmike]

On the 1970 Polara, it is 5 vs. 7 if memory serves.

That could very well be. C bodies are way bigger than the A and early B bodies I have owned. I never got under my Newport to look and count.

 

[Ultrasummer]

Are you sure it's the spring and not the body mounts or shackle? IDK how much rust you're dealing with and totally unfamiliar with the underside of a '61 anything, just trying to help you diagnose the cause of the sag. later 60s thru 70s Chrysler products the rear spring mounts would rust off/end up thru trunk pans, etc. I'm in the severe rust belt here (S. Wisconsin). Probably springs and if those are 64 year old parts won't hurt. Good luck!

Rust doesn't seem to be the issue. Finally going to post some pics of it.