I'm looking for some advice on rear leaf spring set up.
I am upgrading a mk2 escort (2dr) for fast road, maybe future hillclimbs etc.
I've decided on Bilsteins for the shocks, anti-tramp bars and a pan hard rod, with lowering blocks -1.5inch. I would like to also install new springs.
From what I can see, the options are 5-leaf slipper springs or Taper single leaf. What is the difference in performance characteristics?
I've also seen slipper spring slider kits, what benefit are these?
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If you get your springs built correctly you wont need your lowering blocks OR the anti-tramp bars.

Contact Wozzah through this forum and have a chat with him about getting new leafs.

Lowering blocks are rubbish... U r better off getting ur springs reset if u want to lower it...

I run reverse eye king spring leafs on the back of mine they com 3inches lowered and it sits nice

Wont need to run a panhard bar if u r running leaf springs...

i agree run reverse eye rear springs.add tramp rods as they help rear squat under accel as well as help with rear end location.same goes for panhard,fit it.works cars ran this stuff for a reason as do most guys competing today in competition

Get New Mk2 rear springs from Kings and you wont need to run the tramp bars. Run Billys on the back too. No tramping.

quote:

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Originally posted by blackmk1cossie

i agree run reverse eye rear springs.add tramp rods as they help rear squat under accel as well as help with rear end location.same goes for panhard,fit it.works cars ran this stuff for a reason as do most guys competing today in competition

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No need for anti tramp bars if you do it right. Tramp bars cause binding under load.

Brett, Give me a call on 0409 934058

I agree with the boys here, if the springs are right, you should not need tramp bars, they cause more problems than they fix.

Reverse eye springs with a reversed half leaf on top is a good start. Billies = good. Lowering blocks are a blight on humanity, they belong in the bin.

Forget about slippers etc, that is pure Group 4 stuff and you are talking 5 links, cutting up the floor pan and big $.

I run a panhard on my MK1 and swear by it. They stop the car winding up tension on the leaves coming out of corners and absolutely stop the tail wagging that causes. Very predictable and easy to drive on the throttle.

Its all fun until someone loses an eye....then its still fun but with less depth perception.

Cheers

Shaun B

Whilst were on the topic does anyone have opinions on the single leafs?

Also opinions on whether reset springs are any good as I have been quoted $340 + GST for the King Springs with the extra rebound leaf.

Having them reset may not be that much cheaper.

Matt

After a bit more reading and talking to people with similar set-ups (thanks Wazzah & Mk1 Lotus) I have decided to bin the anti tramp and lowering block idea and go for a properly set-up leaf spring. A little more expensive, but sounds like a worthwhile investment.
Also decided to go with a watts linkage over the pan hard.
Add some billies and poly bushes to the recipe, mix with some wd40 and busted nuckles, and new rear end sorted.[;^)]