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Sagging rear end

Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:52 am
by borneobuzz1
Hello, Toronado lovers! I just posted an introduction as a new member and my first post on the introduction forum. This is about our 1968 Toronado with 38,000 original miles and a severe nose high attitude. Now I need to ask everyone a question. Before I get into question, I would like to explain that I have read many past posts on this subject. One member stated that it was like “a small boat plowing through or cresting the waves”. Very accurate description! The posts are quite a few years old, and there may be some new information available- this is why I am creating a new thread. We absolutely LOVE our Toronado, however there is one issue. The sagging rear end. Please see attached photos. This seems to be a common problem, 56 years after being produced. I understand there are some variables that may come into play here (bushings/links/ etc..), but I believe that the single rear leaf spring has become weak. The options for repairing this are: 1) Have the single spring retensioned. Or: 2) replace the single spring with a modern Eaton 4 leaf design. So, after quite a few of you have taken care of the low rear end, what is the best way to shore this up???? Thank you so much for taking the time to respond back to my request!

Re: Sagging rear end

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 2:03 pm
by Otto Skorzeny
I like the idea of the single spring. Contact Eaton-Detroit and see what they'll charge to re-arch yours to factory specs. If it's close to the cost of the new stack, I'd do it.

Make sure you've got good new shocks, too.

Re: Sagging rear end

Posted: Thu May 02, 2024 2:24 am
by Mikel
From what I hear, rearched springs don't last very long before they sag again. May depend on the process followed.

My '66 had the same problem, so i made a set of 1" lift blocks and that restored my rear ride height.