I need some info on leaf springs. 1980 runabouts main springs are cracked on both sides >:(, I found a set from a old race car and one side was good the other was cracked and can't find any other pintos around me. I know I can get them from JC whitney but I don't want to wait 3-4 weeks. I didn't know if there were any other car that were compatable. thanks in advance for any help.
Very common, as a matter of fact, all 5 pintos I have owned had at least one bad main leaf. As far as I know they are not even interchangable with Mustang II's, and I know for a fact that ones from a wagon will NOT fit other models. There are companies that make custom springs, maybe you can get them made locally (where-ever you are), or there might be one of us near you with spares. If you can't find a good PAIR, it might be worth the wait. The springs I got from JCWhiplash were WAY too strong, I removed a leaf from each (replaced with shim plates) and they work well at the height I wanted.
Bill
Summitt racing sells springs for Pintos now.
where on the web site did you find these springs?. I looked under everything I could think of but still couldn't find them. thank you for your help
I bought some from racer walsh they work great. You can buy differnt spring rates. Mine are a little stiff, but they make the car handle great.
Also here in St. Louis they have a company called St.Louis spring which will make almost anything. Don't know if that helps or not. But there could be one of these independent type guys in your area.
I found leaf springs at www.speedwaymotors.com and they had them in what i assume are the spring rates? 100#,125#,150#. they also say the have a 3.5 inch spring arch. i was wondering if you guys could tell me which would be best for a stock 1980 pinto 2.3/auto. i was told that the earlier models had different length than later models, if this is true what length do I need.i would like to thank you all for your help
Please understand that it has been a long time, but .....
The non-wagons from 74 - 80 all had the short shacles, but the springs should all interchange thru those years. I have never had a pre 77.
I would say if you are looking for a normal ride height, get ones you think are a little too stiff and you can take out a leaf if you need to. The stock springs were way too stiff for racing, so some that are avalible might be softer. The supplier might be able to help you, but I know I have the spring rates for the stock ones somewhere just not right in front of me. Be sure the springs have the pins iin the same spot on both of them. The first pair I got from jcwhiplash had one that was way off.
Bill
I've got these springs. Ern ern.sue@verizon.net