IML: Sagging Imperial Rear Ends
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IML: Sagging Imperial Rear Ends



Fellow Imerialists:
 
    Over time I have used Andy Bernbaum for my '56 Imperial and was very pleased with the results--including the fact he had the 'heavy duty' 7th leaf package as well for the ol'girl.  I used Eaton springs on my '68 300 convertible and asked for 1'' taller than OEM spec and was extremely pleased with the results as it was a shipped item, both aesthetically and handling wise, and most of all, fit-wise it went right in.  I used a Boston-area Spring and Leaf Company for my '55 New Yorker and the 75+ year old gentleman who replaced those leaf's merely lifted the rear end to where we both agreed it should sit, took a couple of measurements, and upon installation it was perfect, the posture just right, the old man noddingly knowing it would be that way. In all three at the same time as the leafs were installed, I replaced the shocks as well.  Phenomenal difference in all the cars upon job completions.  Average cost for each of the jobs including the shocks was between $500-$600 dollars. 
 
    All three of the cars were sagging or even listing in the case of the '68, which was using the coil-overs when I purchased it and was causing much undue distress on the support brackets as other's have noted they would, as one could see the wear marks on one side in particular where the leaf was in particular failure.  I would not recommend anything but new leafs in a sagging situation, as well as shocks if they are needed [or anyway as you are 'there' already], for anything less is prolonging the inevitable replacement of one or both issues as the car sinks lower and lower, certainly not doing the drivetrain, the tailpipes, or the rear bumper in some cases, any favors. 
 
Jack
 
In a message dated 2/26/2008 1:18:52 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, imperialist67@xxxxxxxxx writes:
I replaced the rear leaf springs on my '67 with a set from Espo Springs, and it REALLY improved the handling. They seemed to have them available for most cars, and last I checked, they were still around/doing business.

The removal/re-installation is laborious (and expensive if you're not doing any of it yourself), but worthwhile.




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