Have you ever thought you measured perfectly when selecting new rear wheels for your classic muscle car or truck only to find out your tires are rubbing on the leaf spring clamps? Yup, we’ve been there too. Luckily, there’s a solution.
If you really need some extra room, we suggest looking at CPP Complete Narrow Leaf Spring Upgrade Kits. These springs come in both stock and 2-inch drop and provide ½-inch of clearance per side.
If your tire is just rubbing your leaf spring clamps, your best bet is to relocate the clamps. Sometimes just changing your factory-style clamps for leaf spring bend clips will give you the clearance you need. But, while you’re at it, you might as well also relocate them on the leaf spring. Keep reading for step-by-step photo instructions on how to get it done.
How to remove factory leaf spring clamps
This process depends on what type of leaf spring clamps are on your vehicle. Some are pretty easy while others take a bit more work.
If it looks something like this, it should be relatively easy to pry the top section of the tab up to release the clap.For leaf spring clamps like this, it is just a matter of removing the bolt and sliding off the u-shaped clamp.The rivet-style spring clamps are of the “bit more work” variety.Begin by firing up your favorite cutoff wheel and making two slices in the shape of a “+”.Then, use a hammer and chisel to knock loose the rivet. If it doesn’t come off after a few whacks, you might need to make your cuts a little deeper. Once the rivet head is removed, the spring clamp should come off the leaf spring pack in two pieces.
Installing New Leaf Spring Bend Clips
Use one of the existing holes that locate the spring pads to also locate the new bend clip.Drill out some of the nylon in the hole you intend to use until the bend clip locator pin and the bottom of the bend clip sit flush against the spring.The bend clip goes on the leaf spring pack as shown. The ears of the lower piece go through the slots in the upper piece and are then bent over the top to secure it.Use a C-Clamp to hold the top and bottom of the bend clip tight to the leaf springs while tapping the ears down with a hammer. You may need to adjust the C-Clamp a couple of times during this process.Here’s a look at what the bend clip should look like when installed properly.Now, by moving the clamp further from the axle on the leaf spring, the tire no longer rubs. You can use this technique on both front and rear of the leaf springs on each side as needed.It might seem obvious, but make sure you are still securing at least two or three leaf springs if you relocate the new bend clips.
