Single leaf rear springs. (longish post)

[Gregs672000]

To do a before and after I think it is gonna take both Daryl and me in order to get an accurate picture. My comp springs are de-arched big time, so my tail sits way low. What I propose is that Daryl install his springs, do some measurements that take into account tire height and then post. That would be very helpful to me too if that could be done BEFORE I finalize the order for my springs in order to get an idea of how much metal block they need to add (in fact, Nisstech if you can post how much lowering block you had to use to get them where you wanted them that might be helpful as well. I assume the size of the block corresponds directly with the amount of drop?). When I get my springs I can post measurements. I think it would be more accurate to measure frame to ground however, as my body is modified some and may also be slightly different due to using a different body to frame mounting pad material than what was stock when I did the frame up 20+ years ago.

[gboone]

Why can't Flex-A-Form make the spring with a flatter arch for those of us who want comp spring ride height so we don't have to use blocks, which are going to be unsprung weight (a bad thing)?

[Gregs672000]

"Why can't Flex-A-Form make the spring with a flatter arch for those of us who want comp spring ride height so we don't have to use blocks, which are going to be unsprung weight (a bad thing)?"

I don't know. It may have to do with how the springs are manufactured. They mentioned that they have two arches to choose from, and the other is way too tall for a Roadster.

[NISSTECH]

Yes it pretty much is a direct amount that the blocks lower the car.If you use a inch block it pretty much lowers the car one inch.I may not be correct here but I think the springs they sell are based on either Chevy or Chrysler leaf springs and are modified to fit as well as they can.You would think that there would be another source that can make these springs as its not rocket science.After seeing the pictures of the bushings and spring eyes that they sent back I dont feel too bad about the bushings they made me.

[Daryl Smith]

"Why can't Flex-A-Form make the spring with a flatter arch for those of us who want comp spring ride height so we don't have to use blocks, which are going to be unsprung weight (a bad thing)?"

It may also have to do with the way the spring works, and they may need a minimum arch to work properly.

Sorry to say this guys, but I've run into another more serious problem with the springs.
They won't be going on my car as is. I'll be on the phone first thing in the morning with Mark.

I am seriously PISSED!!!!

[Gregs672000]

uh oh... what happened?

[notoptoy]

Yes, please tell, don't leave us all hanging like that - cruel and unusual punishment.
"Unlike wine, bad news does not get better with age."
Tom

[NISSTECH]

Whats up now?

[Daryl Smith]

From Flex-a-Form's website:
"Flex-Form is under new ownership and management with a renewed emphasis on service and quality."
I'd say it's time to step up.........

Found this as I was doing the last of my prep to install the springs:



Vertical crack parrallel to the bolt, and a horizontal crack approximately 2" long that goes to the end of composite material............

These are the same springs I had last fall, modified to fit the 1.5" eyes, so I think that may be the problem. Unfortunately, modifying them doesn't seem like the best idea. I could have made the 2" eyes work if they had told me they couldn't safely do the refit............

So far no answer from Flex-a-Form

[notoptoy]

OK, you have plenty of reason to be furious with them. You might just want to copy them on this forum to let them know how much interest, and critical review, they are receiving on this product and their business practices!

[spl310]

They can do a rip off of the old Ford ad. "Quality is job none..."

[Gregs672000]

NO OFFENSE, but that kinda looks like left over glue to me... I have no experience or knowledge of composite materials, but it seems to me that given the loads they have to endure they would not be that brittle or prone to cracking... again, I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE. I hope it is not a crack because the stress of drilling, assembly etc would seem to be far less than what my car would put them through, let alone a race car. Poor Daryl... you have my sympathy bud. At least my car is driveble as she sits...

[Daryl Smith]

Definately cracks Greg, at the vertical crack the material is bulging out from the rest of the spring. Hard to get a really good picture. I definately think it has to do with the refit of the 1.5" eyes, and possibly the old mounting holes being close. I won't know till I take these eyes off (when the new springs get here).

Just got off the phone with Mark @ FF. A short discussion in which he said he will make up some new springs and send them out to me asap. Also said they are moving so can't give me a timeframe, could be awhile..........

In the meantime I may just go ahead and install these springs to get a ride height and do some EASY (where's the 'scared' smilie?) drives to see what the ride is like with these and the stock shocks and front springs.........

Doing a search on Flex-A-Form brings up some interesting forum discussions on the springs that weren't there when i ordered last fall. Also doesn't bring up this discussion. Could we add something like 'steel or Flex-A-Form composite' to the subject so it comes up in a google seach?

[Lee2000]

I'd be VERY leery about driving with that crack...especially since it's in front or parallel to the bolt.

[NISSTECH]

Yes if thats a crack Id be real careful.Like was said if it fails bad things will happen.By the way we have two and three quarters of a inch of lowering block on the car to get the desired ride height.