learn me leaf spring tweaking

so, I think I'm overthinking things again....

car is a 70 duster. grand touring/autocross. 1 1/8 front sway, no shocks at the moment (just haven't orderd), subframe connectors, 3/4 rear sway bar. front spring hanger on the rear has been raised has high as the body will allow.

the rear springs I had in it were not stiff enough. so I headed down the path of building a custom pack. ive got a set of worn out stock springs (free) and Durango leaves to cannibalize for a custom pack. I also have leaf spring sliders for replacing the mangled rear shackles with.

ive found a few rate calculators to play with, so that's covered.

ive also found multiple references to adding a second leaf under the main leaf that goes the whole way eye to eye for less spring wrap. and more about adding a half leaf on top of the main leaf to eliminate brake hop as well.

I'm starting to get confused. or I'm overthingking this.

so, I guess learn me pack design for handling, as well as leaf spring claps location, purpose, and design.

I don't have much to offer, other than if I had to mess with my leaf pack all over again (different leaves, different arrangements, different arcs, added clamps, relocated mounts and shackles), I would have 4-linked and air bagged it.

Seriously.

My fairly involved frankenleaf exploration

Nope. No 4 link. I'm doing this the hard way.

Shoot an e-mail to John Block over on http://www.auto-ware.com/ You may also want to search the archives of the old WAR board, Weekend Auto Racer

I have interest in this topic. The ultimate goal is also taking the easy path to doing hings the hard way. Or is it the other way round?

In reply to Dusterbd13: Are you near a big city? Most have a shop that specializes in leaf springs (mainly for Big trucks and trailers) but I have yet to go into one that doesn't take an immediate interest when you explain you intend to race. Well maybe not the girl in the office but the guys in the shop sure do.. Prices are surprisingly affordable.

Plus they can do things you would be amazed by.. Arch, De-arch, stiffen, soften, etc.. Festinating how they heat things up until it's just the right color and out comes the spring ready to assemble easily.. Now don't forget the lubricant.. Rust, Water, dirt, grit, spilt oil, etc. change the rate of the spring. Sometimes from corner to corner.. Then wrap it.. I've used electrical tape but in the old days they would use leather with grease fittings

+1 to frenchyd: Find the the local experts. (Probably truck guys)

Find a plastic supply house: Buy some .062 teflon sheet to add between the spring leaves.

Be careful with the front spring hanger: If it is significantly higher than the the axle centerline: you will get roll oversteer.....usually a bad thing.

Sounds like fun...keep talking.

Rog