rear leaf spring 1963 ford thunderbird raise

When it comes to suspension and handling, I'm willing to spend money. However, my future plans for my 1963 Ford Thunderbird involve installing a Jaguar IRS unit that I already have but haven't had time to put in. With that in mind, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on the rear leaf spring because eventually, all the suspension parts currently in the car will be removed.

The obvious solution would be to fix it the 'right way' and either replace the leaf springs or have them re-arched. The look wasn't horrible, but I prefer the look of a slightly raked vehicle with about 1'-2' more height in the rear. Unfortunately, the worn-out springs left my car sitting with its front elevated slightly higher than the rear.

Upon further inspection, I discovered that when you pushed down on the rear of the car, it would easily go down and then slowly come back up. Every time the car hit a bump, there would be a loud clunk in the rear end. This was particularly noticeable during my first test drive, where I encountered this issue for the very first time.

The main problem with the leaf springs was that they were too soft and spongy. After 47 years of use, it's no surprise that they had degraded to this extent. I've since replaced them with a new set, which has made a significant difference in the car's handling and overall ride quality.

When choosing replacement leaf springs, I would recommend opting for ones made from USA steel, even if they are more expensive. Chinese-made steel may be cheaper, but it may not provide the same level of durability and performance.

For those who do need to replace their rear leaf spring, there are a few options available. For example, the CTCI Restoration Manual provides detailed information on the clamps used in these springs. Additionally, there are various online retailers that sell replacement parts, such as 956-1957 Ford Thunderbird - Leaf Spring (Rear - 5 Leaves) for $138.95.

In conclusion, replacing the rear leaf spring on my 1963 Ford Thunderbird was a necessary step to improve its handling and overall performance. While it may seem like an insignificant component, it's an important part of the car's suspension system that can have a significant impact on its behavior on the road.

Rear leaf spring 1963 ford thunderbird raise