Auto-X / Roadrace rear suspension 1969 Valiant
Currently, as of starting this thread, I am hot on the information gathering trail of the composite monoleafs. I am running that idea down hard as we speak. I have two companies identified, one contacted, that may possibly be able to build a couple of composite A-body spec spring sets in different rates cheaper than a "custom" rear suspension or kit. Now, this wouldn't just mean no fab, put springs on. The car is mini-tubbed and I am looking at toeing the springs in up to 1.5" in front so that means a Mopar Performance style full relocation. I would put the Calvert angled rear sliders at the proper place and in the front would cant the frame boxes appropriately. Also, per the attachment @72bluNblu posted above, I would try to achieve an 8" rake in spring mounting points front to back (6" front and 14" read). Also, note the spring toe in on that attachment.
I like the composite idea because they are light. Light for the weight savings of the car. Composites can weigh around 10 lbs whereas OEM's weigh 45 plus lbs. Also, I can buy a couple different spring rates and carry them around easier to make changes on-site. My track options are not local and are multiple days so if something needs to be tuned like leafs I can do it at the end of Day 1. (I do have San Diego SCCA but they lost their venue in San Diego and actually run up in Inland Empire). The Hotchkis adjustable front shocks are already purchased so I would also be purchasing the rear adjustable Hotchkis Fox shocks to add adjustability in the rear. I have contacted Hotchkis about their big front sway bar and they said you can only order it over the phone and you have to buy front and rear as a set. I already have the Hellwig 1-1/4" bar in front so I may skip the Hotchkis front bar and do a NASCAR style splined bar in rear. @72bluNblu brings up a great point about the 0 arch springs keeping the rear centered and with the addition of spring toe I think it would help further so I would take his advice and not add a panhard rod until I felt it was warranted.
I don't know what the cost of custom composites are but the shelf ones are hundreds cheaper than Hotchkis or other multi-leaf manufacturers.
One thing that is at the top of my concerns (other than if I can even get a custom composite made) is leaf spring pad on the axle with toed in springs?
Currently, as of starting this thread, I am hot on the information gathering trail of the composite monoleafs. I am running that idea down hard as we speak. I have two companies identified, one contacted, that may possibly be able to build a couple of composite A-body spec spring sets in different rates cheaper than a "custom" rear suspension or kit. Now, this wouldn't just mean no fab, put springs on. The car is mini-tubbed and I am looking at toeing the springs in up to 1.5" in front so that means a Mopar Performance style full relocation. I would put the Calvert angled rear sliders at the proper place and in the front would cant the frame boxes appropriately. Also, per the attachment @72bluNblu posted above, I would try to achieve an 8" rake in spring mounting points front to back (6" front and 14" read). Also, note the spring toe in on that attachment.
I like the composite idea because they are light. Light for the weight savings of the car. Composites can weigh around 10 lbs whereas OEM's weigh 45 plus lbs. Also, I can buy a couple different spring rates and carry them around easier to make changes on-site. My track options are not local and are multiple days so if something needs to be tuned like leafs I can do it at the end of Day 1. (I do have San Diego SCCA but they lost their venue in San Diego and actually run up in Inland Empire). The Hotchkis adjustable front shocks are already purchased so I would also be purchasing the rear adjustable Hotchkis Fox shocks to add adjustability in the rear. I have contacted Hotchkis about their big front sway bar and they said you can only order it over the phone and you have to buy front and rear as a set. I already have the Hellwig 1-1/4" bar in front so I may skip the Hotchkis front bar and do a NASCAR style splined bar in rear. @72bluNblu brings up a great point about the 0 arch springs keeping the rear centered and with the addition of spring toe I think it would help further so I would take his advice and not add a panhard rod until I felt it was warranted.
I don't know what the cost of custom composites are but the shelf ones are hundreds cheaper than Hotchkis or other multi-leaf manufacturers.
One thing that is at the top of my concerns (other than if I can even get a custom composite made) is leaf spring pad on the axle with toed in springs?
