55-57 T-Bird springs

G

Grumpy Rick

Senior Member
I have a '55 Bird and would like to replace the rear leaf springs with some a bit stronger. I notice the '56-57 springs have a different number. I assume they would be stronger because of the additional weight they have in the back, but the question is...............are they interchangeable??

If not, does anyone have suggestions, rather than air shocks, on what I can do about my sagging rear end?

Thank you,
Rick
 
The '55 springs are that yr only and IIRC, a few inches longer than the 56/57 version.
If there's a spring & suspension shop anywhere near you they should be able to rebuild/re-arch & strengthen (add a leaf to) the ones you have. You may need longer U bolts for the thickness of an extra leaf.
And the rebuild price will be about half the new price.
 
Yeah, look at getting leaf springs locally. You know where most of the ones on parts sites come from. I may trust Posies, be worth talking to them or seeing what they have on their site.
 
dmsfrr said:
The '55 springs are that yr only and IIRC, a few inches longer than the 56/57 version.
If there's a spring & suspension shop anywhere near you they should be able to rebuild/re-arch & strengthen (add a leaf to) the ones you have. You may need longer U bolts for the thickness of an extra leaf.
And the rebuild price will be about half the new price.
Click to expand...

I think it's the other way the 56/7 being longer.Milt/Las Vegas
 
I've been through this on my 55. I had my springs rebuilt and a full length leaf added. I would not recommend this as it gives to harsh of a ride. I toughed it out because I was just a kid then.
Recently I redid the whole thing again re-arched the springs minus the extra and used an anti sway bar and bilstein shocks. Much better.
FYI- a 55 will not ride as soft or smooth as a 57.
 
.
I knew I got that rear sway bar for something,
and should probably take it out of the box one of these days.
Thanks

Milt/Las Vegas said:
I think it's the other way the 56/7 being longer.Milt/Las Vegas
Click to expand...
I think you're right. I lost my notes.

.
 
Last edited:
Thanks guys,

Sorry to take so long getting back. My computer has a virus, and went bonkers. Have to borrow the wifes after she beds down.

Thanks for the answers. I am hoping to get this car to handle and ride a little better. Sway bar for the rear helps? I figure on getting a thicker one for the front also.
 
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