1961 thunderbird rear leaf springs3/24/2024 ![]() If you only replaced yours with standard shockers and then spent your hard earned on a HD sway bar kit, I am sure you will be happy with the ride. Driving through round-a-bouts (plenty of those here in Australia) is more fun and don't have to slow down as much.ĭrives more like a 60's car now than a 50's car. It is now - hands down- more enjoyable to drive not just to be seen in. Now that's how to really enjoy your ride. ![]() Shortly after I installed the heavy duty sway bar kit ($470 from Larry's). ![]() Was pretty happy with the standard of drivability for a 50's car at this stage. I also replaced all shocks (FoMoCo standard set from Larry's / $150 complete ). The 30mm (1+1/8") rise also helped to clear the spinners from the fender skirts in addition to giving me a more preferred stance - less rear sagging in appearance. Hi SSHAPIRO, (in my 56) I had my rear leaf springs re set and added one additional leaf.This firmed the ride noticeably and also raised the rear slightly in preparation for fitting Thunderbird wire wheels. I wasn't willing to scrimp when my back and posterior are concerned! Oh, I also invested in a premium rebuild of the stock seat, including pneumatic lumbar supports. I arrived with no noticable aches or pains. This weekend, I drove the car 400 miles over a combination of fast roads, twisty roads and city traffic. when pushed, it has a mild understeer that I can correct easily with more throttle. "Predictable" or "unsurprising" is a better description. I'm using the stock steering box and that enormous steering wheel, so it's hard to call the handling "tight". No rubs or scrapes with over 1K miles on the street, but then I'm usually pretty cautious going over speed bumps. Overall, I am delighted with the ride and the handling! It rides softer than my old 3rd generation firebird formula, but firmer than my '04 GTO. These are progressive rate springs, and don't need as much travel as the originals. The original rear springs were OK, but I installed '92 Aerostar springs in front. I had to shim the lower bump stops a little to keep the tires from rubbing at full lock. I carefully checked for the possibility of rubbing with new 205x75R15 tires before I installed the front springs. ![]() This provides about the same ground clearance as a modern performance car. I also installed Granada spindles and disc brakes when I rebuilt the front end, which lowered the car about 1.5". I installed the ADDCO 7/8" swaybars and KYB shocks mentioned above, but I got them separately from different suppliers and saved a few bucks. My '55 is a skosh lighter than your '57, but I'm delighted with my suspension mods. ![]()
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