CPP Narrow Leaf Springs: Get a 2" Drop Plus Wider Tires on Your 1962 to 1967 Nova

With CPP Narrow Leaf Springs (PN: 6267NRLK-D), you get to kill two birds with one stone. As its name implies, the leaf springs are narrower than stock. The offset bushings that come with the kit move the spring inboard meaning you can fit a half-inch wider tire under your 1962 to 1967 Nova.

The second bird is the stance. CPP offers the narrowed leaf springs in stock height or 2” drop and you could even throw in a lowering block on top if you really want to tuck those rear tires.

We said you kill two birds with one stone, but there’s really a third: the cost. You might be able to find other options for lowering your ride while fitting wider tires, but none will be as cost-effective. Normally, you’d have to use offset shackles which means you also need a custom gas tank. Or the other option is converting to a four-link setup which is the furthest from cost effective.

In fact, with the money you’ll save by going with CPP’s Narrow Leaf Spring kit, you’ll have plenty cash left over for even more goodies. Hmmm, maybe some CPP Street-Track Traction bars? How about a High Clearance Sway Bar, and some Totally Tubular Subframe Connectors to complete the package?

In case you haven’t guessed, those upgrades are also on our list for our 1967 Nova, so install videos and instructions are on the way. For now, check out the video above or the step-by-step instructions below to see how to install CPP’s Narrow Leaf Spring kit on a 1962 to 1967 Nova.

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How to Install CPP Narrow Leaf Springs on 1962 through 1967 Nova

This is what comes with the Complete Narrow Leaf Spring Upgrade kit. It’s everything you need to actually install it in your Nova from the bushings to the U-bolts to the leaf spring pads.

Begin by installing the bushings in the leaf springs. Make sure to use the supplied bushing spacers on the outside of each corner of the leaf springs.

The bushings can be installed using a rubber mallet. Just make sure to line them up square and then tap ‘em in.

Here’s a look at the bushing spacer when installed. It offsets the springs a half-inch inboard for more tire clearance. (You might notice we are using the D-Spec bushings in the front here instead of the supplied rubber ones. That’s because we’ll be installing traction bars which come with the upgraded bushings for the front spring eye.)

The last step for preparing the narrow leaf springs is installing the supplied sleeves. Like the bushings, the sleeves can be installed easily using a rubber mallet.

Next, hang the front of the leaf spring using the supplied hardware. (Again, you’ll notice the D-Spec bushings and added brackets since we’ll also be installing traction bars.)

In the rear of the car, install the supplied D-Spec bushings and sleeves in the chassis before fitting the hanger brackets.

With the bushings and sleeves installed into the chassis, you can go ahead and loosely bolt on the hangar brackets.

Then you’ll need to check the angle of your engine and transmission and, with the vehicle sitting at ride-height, set the pinion angle to match.

Once the pinion angle is set correctly and the axle is centered, weld on the supplied narrowed leaf spring pads.

Line up the hole in the bottom of the spring pad with the dowel pin on top of the leaf when installing the axle on the CPP narrow leaf springs.

Next, install the U-bolts which secure the axle to the leaf spring using the lower shock mount bracket.

Make sure to really tighten up those supplied U-bolt nuts and washers to secure everything in place.

Choosing and Installing Shocks

The CPP Narrow Leaf Springs don’t ship with any shocks. This allows you to decide what will work best for your budget and performance goals. The lower shocks pictured are CPP’s affordable mono-tubes. The one’s we opted for are the above Viking double-adjustable shocks for more tune-ability.

Regardless of shock choice, install the factory upper mount on the top of the shock using the supplied bushings and washers. There are two nuts for the top of the shock with the second used to lock down the first.

Before installing the lower portion of the shock, we find it easier to get the top mount fastened first.

Finally, use the supplied hardware to install the shock on the lower mount. If it’s a snug fit, we recommend using a rubber mallet to lightly tap the shock into location the mounting bracket. Once everything is nice and tight, that’s it, you’re done!