I went to pep boys and bought a set of blocks that are supposed to raise the rear end two inches. Its for my wifes nova, it has leaf springs in the back. Basically you lift the axle off the leafs and slide a two inch block between them. Is the gonna foul up the car and suspension??Or should I get the car professionally raised?
sorry the isnt a thirdgen question but technically a 74 nova is a thirdgen nova. Thanks for any help

 

It won't really mess anything up; but if your springs have sagged 2", then they need more than just lifting, because now they are so weak that they're unable to control the car's motion. IIRC they're not too hard to fidn for that car, check with spring shops in your area.

The way everybody used to do that is with shackles... they are longer links that replace the ones that hook the rear of the spring to the chassis. The block method is usually used for trucks, and the block is tapered to retain the correct pinion angle.

 

how would I know if the springs were sagging? I just bought the car over the weekend. I dont know if they're sagging I just want the back lifted away from the wheels. thank you

 

What about adding some helper springs?

 

Thanks for responding. Where would I get some helper springs, would that also lift the car a little??

 

I was just thinking about some generic helper leaf springs like they sell for trucks, etc. You can get them lots of places and I'm sure I've seen them in Jegs and Summit recently. . . .looking in catalog now. Summit has some Hellwig helper springs that are made to increase load capacity. They are made for 2 1/2" wide springs (I don't know what size you have) and cost $35. Part number HEL-550 in summit. If your old springs are in good shape (probably not due to the age), I'm not sure how much effect they would have. If the old ones are worn out and sagging, I'd expect to see a difference. Jegs sells adjustable shackle kits like RB said under part numbers 720-1299 and 720-1300 for under twenty five bucks.

So, I guess it all depends on what route you want to go. I haven't done much suspension wise on leaf spring cars so can't offer as much as I'd like. The best way to do it would be to shop around for new replacement springs (assuming yours have sagged). Sorry I can't speak on the blocks you've got, although it is probably fine for normal everyday driving. Hope something here helps out. Check out the helper springs and the shackle kit and see what you think of those as compared to what you have now.

Let us know how it goes.

 

first off the blocks will lower the car. because the springs are under the axle not on top. i might be wrong but check to make sure. what i did to raise my 76 nova was get the coil over springs that you clamp around the shocks. extend the shocks and then clamp onto the shock. lifted about 3 inches doing that.