SHAMUS'WAGON Posted January 31, 2011 Report Share Posted January 31, 2011 So, I'm looking to beef up the rear suspension on my 71 510 goon. I was thinking about just putting some cheap leaf helpers on, but then I got the idea in my head that it might be possible to use the leaf springs from a 720 or a D21. If anyone has done this already I would like the input. Thanks Quote Link to comment
jesusno2 Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 The arc of the spring is different. I belive they are not the same lengths also. I suppose it could be made to work but by the time ya start removing springs if your lowering the car, you would be back to basically having long goon springs. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 Keep the top main leaf, (you don't even have to unbolt them) and add a truck second or third leaf below it. Yes if it has more arch than the one(s) it's replacing it may raise the back. Take to a spring shop and they will put it in a press and take some of the arch out. You could end up lower and stiffer. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 I forgot to ask.... what is the length of the goon springs? Center to center of mounting bolts. Quote Link to comment
INDY510 Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 . Mike: ... do you think the monroe air shocks that the 510 goons are using would work on my 710 goon???? I am hesitant to lower it,, because the rear springs are so bouncy/soft ...... I would need stiffer springs too Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted February 2, 2011 Report Share Posted February 2, 2011 Probably if they open and close a similar amount. But if the springs are soft it will still travel excessively. Only a firm spring will correct that. Truck main springs are 1,200mm or 47.25" long. I just measured my goon and they will be close, hard to tell with the curve, maybe the same? Either way I would keep the top main leaf, as they are a bitch to unbolt from the shackle and the body. The spring looks like it has 4 leaves including a thicker bottom one. Remove the U bolts and bottom plate and split the spring pack apart and remove one of the upper ones and slip a second thicker bottom one on and assemble. This shouldn't add any arch but should add stiffness. I'm going to try this with mine, and I have a parts goon for the springs. Quote Link to comment
dvboth Posted February 2, 2011 Report Share Posted February 2, 2011 check into roadster competion springs i can't remember who, but someone was doing something with them for wagons! Quote Link to comment
WagDatto Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 Looking to go lower and stiffer? Remove the leaf springs, take apart, turn one or more of the leafs upside down, re-assemble leaf pack, bolt in. It will lower the pack and stiffen it, for a MUCH better ride, in my opinion. I spent a little extra money and took them to a shop to be professionally de-arched and stiffened, and then I added another leaf in upside down after. Ballin'! Quote Link to comment
hang_510 Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 get the third leaf from another set, flip it and get ~1"drop, much stiffer Quote Link to comment
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