ConcoursMustang Forums

1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1968 Shelby => Topic started by: proford1 on June 10, 2025, 12:23:30 PM

Title: Need leaf spring for my 68 gt500kr
Post by: proford1 on June 10, 2025, 12:23:30 PM
Got my car back on the road for the first time since 1981ish. I need to get the front end aligned but the car has a lean to it, I'm pretty sure its the rear leafs. Has anyone bought new? Was the stance good. Who do you recommend getting them from?
Thanks mike
Title: Re: Need leaf spring for my 68 gt500kr
Post by: Coralsnake on June 10, 2025, 05:00:21 PM
Nice looking car! You do realize that they were set up to be higher in the front from the factory? A saggy rear is standard 🤪
Title: Re: Need leaf spring for my 68 gt500kr
Post by: Bob Gaines on June 10, 2025, 07:04:45 PM
Nice looking car! You do realize that they were set up to be higher in the front from the factory? A saggy rear is standard 🤪
Plan on if replacing original with new the replacement leaf springs for them making the car sit 1 to 3 inches higher than the original springs do. Regardless of what the MFG says  ::) . This may be what you want to personalize your ride however for those wanting stock ride height it is a problem. 
Title: Re: Need leaf spring for my 68 gt500kr
Post by: ruppstang on June 10, 2025, 08:14:59 PM
You might consider having the originals re-arched. That may correct the lean and return it to original ride height.
Title: Re: Need leaf spring for my 68 gt500kr
Post by: midlife on June 10, 2025, 10:28:30 PM
If you installed the rear leafs and then tightened the bolts to factory specs, then it may not ride correctly.  The trick is to tighten the bolts to finger tight, then drive just a couple of miles (around the block a couple of times), and then tighten the bolts to spec.  This allows the springs to react to the car's weight to it's nominal arch before tightening the hardware.
Title: Re: Need leaf spring for my 68 gt500kr
Post by: Bob Gaines on June 10, 2025, 10:36:16 PM
If you installed the rear leafs and then tightened the bolts to factory specs, then it may not ride correctly.  The trick is to tighten the bolts to finger tight, then drive just a couple of miles (around the block a couple of times), and then tighten the bolts to spec.  This allows the springs to react to the car's weight to it's nominal arch before tightening the hardware.
That is a good tip that should be tried when installing new leaf springs. Unfortunately it doesn't always work . Been there done that. If installing new after market springs be prepared for them to sit the car too high. If not too high count yourself lucky. If they do be prepared to have the new springs heated up to relax the arch or live with them as is.