1964 raising rear end 3 inches

[Passiello]

I want to bring the rear up about 3 inches. I'm sure the springs a sagging now. I was thinking about have 2 inches of arch put in new springs. Do you think this is enough to bring it up about 3 inches

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[biddle]

I updated your subject to summarize your post. No need to include Thunderbird in the subject. Please use the four digit model year for search purposes.

64 thunderbird rear spring arch is now---
1964 raising rear end 3 inches

 

[paul4913]

I have a 1961 that I needed to raise the rear end a few inches in order to keep the exhaust from gouging the pavement. I have a very steep driveway. I used a set of Monroe MA739 air shocks. They are relatively inexpensive solution, and easy to install. I raised the rear end 3" without causing any clearance issues. I'm sure I could raise it further if needed. Probably cheaper and easier than dealing with the rear springs. If that model dosen't fit you could probably find a set that does fit. Just check the minimum and maximum length.

 

[andrew latimer]

I want to bring the rear up about 3 inches. I'm sure the springs a sagging now. I was thinking about have 2 inches of arch put in new springs. Do you think this is enough to bring it up about 3 inches

I recently Took my 1966 landau in to have the rear re-arched. I was dragging my tailpipes. When they pulled them, they were broken under the shackles
I ordered new USA made springs, which required 2” of additional arch to bring it up to a level ride.
They told me they had a lot of difficulty spreading the springs to instal them after re-arching. This was a 1200.00 adventure. But very worth it for the very real difference in ride and control at freeway speeds.

 

[Passiello]

I recently Took my 1966 landau in to have the rear re-arched. I was dragging my tailpipes. When they pulled them, they were broken under the shackles
I ordered new USA made springs, which required 2” of additional arch to bring it up to a level ride.
They told me they had a lot of difficulty spreading the springs to instal them after re-arching. This was a 1200.00 adventure. But very worth it for the very real difference in ride and control at freeway speeds.

Thanks. How much do you think it raised the car total from where it was sitting before?

 

[55blacktie]

Re-arching old leaf springs is a temporary fix. I had new springs re-arched to increase height 1 1/2" on my 55. The cost to re-arch the springs was almost as much as the cost of the springs. Unless you want a higher-than-stock ride height, new springs should be enough.

As far as air shocks go, they are a cheap, bandaid fix. People us them and like them (because they're easy and cheap), but shock absorbers aren't designed to increase the spring rate. In other words, the springs carry the load, not the shocks. Shocks control rebound and dampening. Wikipedia has a good explanation of how shock absorbers work.

 

[thunder2010]

its not that hard to re-arch them yourself, I did mine last year, I keep it on stands in the winter, all you really need is access to a press or good with a big hammer...lol...makes a great winter project....problem is now I have to do the fronts because the change in rear height threw out the front end alignment and is chewing my tires 🙁

 

[andrew latimer]

Thanks. How much do you think it raised the car total from where it was sitting before?

2”+ a bit

 

[andrew latimer]

2”+ a bit

Honestly, looking at the photo before and after
It was covering the whitewall by 2”+ now I have one inch above the whitewall showing. It raised it by 3”+

 

[andrew latimer]

It is really the way to go. The steel in the originals is superior to what you will find in the cheap sets. They will droop faster. Buy American made if yours are too far gone to re-arch. My experience with a cheap set was to redo them four years later. This car had some harsh treatment in the past, they broke the springs going off road. The springs were very corroded and broken in multiple places.
after re-arching the new pair to gain the lift needed, and to equalize the arch side to side; they had to use a hydraulic spreader to get it into position.
It is very worth while to have it done, the feel driving it, is so much better than I have managed doing it myself in the past.

 

[Passiello]

It is really the way to go. The steel in the originals is superior to what you will find in the cheap sets. They will droop faster. Buy American made if yours are too far gone to re-arch. My experience with a cheap set was to redo them four years later. This car had some harsh treatment in the past, they broke the springs going off road. The springs were very corroded and broken in multiple places.
after re-arching the new pair to gain the lift needed, and to equalize the arch side to side; they had to use a hydraulic spreader to get it into position.
It is very worth while to have it done, the feel driving it, is so much better than I have managed doing it myself in the past.

Thanks. Plan on ordering from a local spring shop, not cheap but good. I might go with only 1 inch more arch

 

[thunder2010]

2”+ a bit

You can only shorten the length of the spring by no more then about 2.5 inches And still hope to get them back on the car...lol...raised mine about the same

 

[lvhdude]

My 64 has a set of coil over shocks on it. Came that way to me. At least it is still an actual shock absorber. Ride is good, My guess is that it was a little droopy at some point. Probably a better option than the air shocks, they never seem to ride very well, not as good as new springs. For my Fairlane I was able to buy springs that were +2" from stock. Made in the U.S.A.