Spring Clamps

[WSUCruiser]

I am paining up a set of springs for my cruiser since i broke a leaf in my others and i had a question:
I wanted to change out the spring clamps to taller ones (which i will make) for more flex, how can i attach the new clamps? Can i weld to the spring or is this a bad idea since it may turn the spring brittle?

Also, any adverse affects of changing to taller spring clamps? I was going to put a bolt through the top, maybe i could put a hole further down to replicate the factory clamp for street use.

They are stock springs. ANy comments welcome
-Dave-

 

[tonkota]

Don't weld on the springs. Bad idea.

I'd try to make them mount up the same as the originals. Or, leave them off alltogether.

You get to Spokane much? look me up if you do.

 

[dogboy2]

you're opening up a very large can of worms there.....mmmmmhmmmm

there are a lot of variables comprised in a spring, each one considered during the engineering phase of development to determine ride characteristics for that particular leaf pack. that's not to say that you couldn't monkey around with yours and achieve your desired results, but doing so may produce some unexpected consequences which you may not be particularly happy with.

case in point: the PO of my '40 had removed a leaf or two from the rear OEM spring pack because he felt the ride was to stiff -- (boo hoo pansy ass). didn't take me long to fatigue and flatten out the remaining leafs and gouge a few tires along the way with my escapades due to his backyard engineering. springs were shot and I had to replace with new.

buy a spring that performs the way you want it too and save your OEM's for a SOA conversion. you'll save yourself a lot of effort and potential grief.

just my opinion, take it for what it's worth,
-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[WSUCruiser]

Yeah, i know buy the springs that i need, but i want to try it this way first (stubborn i suppose).

Has anyone removed the rivot that holds on the clamp. It looks like a countersunk rivot that i could replace with a good quality countersunk bolt, is it?
I don't want to drill it out and find that i can't replace it.

Also any othe ideas for attaching the spring clamp. Thanks