Leaf Springs with Ladder Bars

Zach Carter · #1 12-20-2009, 08:03 AM

Ok guys please school me on what issues I'm going to have running ladders bars on the 68 Nova. I picked up a set of NOS NMW ladder bars. I have them installed but it really pre loaded to springs. Theres not much movement just pushing on the back of the car checking the spring flex.

Note: This car is weekend cruiser to work and a few car shows. Thanks for any input in advance.

**markjohnson** · #2 12-20-2009, 09:20 AM

That's how "street"-type ladder bars work.....by binding up the rear suspension because of the two different arcs of the leaf springs vs. the ladder bars. Eventually, they WILL rip the spring perches off from the rear axle housing tubes. The only way to stop this is to cut off the stock rear axle housing perches and weld on leaf spring "floaters" onto the tubes. Unfortunately, these floaters then put a lot of stress onto the front ladder bar mount which isn't exactly very stout on these street-type ladder bars. I'm sorry if there's not a lot of good news in this answer but these are the reasons that you don't see these street type ladder bars on fast cars. A good set of quality traction bars has always been the best way to improving leaf spring suspensions with even a decent ride quality when you have the proper snubber gap.

**markjohnson** · #3 12-20-2009, 09:27 AM

Let me just add that if you really have your heart set on running these things the best two things you could do would be to weld a small square gusset(on on the front, one on the rear) of the leaf spring perches and also replace the "T" bolts for the leaf spring pads with quality U-bolts. These two modifications should make the perches a little stronger and prevent them from ripping off the housing tubes. If that happens, believe me, it makes a mess of things.

**Salvatore** · #4 12-20-2009, 03:11 PM

Ladder bars are a coil spring application. Like Mark said go with a quality leaf spring traction bar.

RichSchmidt · #5 12-20-2009, 04:24 PM

About 20 years ago my good friend and old shop partner Jimmy had an a 12 bolt with those ladder bars on it,an 80 Malibu body with the frame rails notched,a burning desire to join the 2 and not 2 nickles to rub together.After cutting and welding the stock upper control arms to get the pion angle right but still left with worn out suspention bushings and socks,we had the bright idea of taking the ladder bars and drilling the front to accept a traction bar snubber.We then sheet metal screwed 2 blocks of wood to the floor of the car,positioned the ladder bars about 1" from the frame and zapped the bars right to the axle tubes.Car ran like a scalded dog and we got our first lesson on suspention design.They really should put a minimum age limit on how old you can be to buy a stick welder.

**69 Post Sedan** · #6 12-20-2009, 05:47 PM

Here's a picture of a Nova with ladder bars on it. It was for sale a while ago on this site. I like the look but after purchasing my car, which had ladder bars on it, I found out from a LOT of people that they are horrible on the suspension. Needless to say I took them off for multiple reasons. So, in my opinion, if you want "the look"...go for it.

But, if you are really going to POUND ON IT, I would either put good leaf spring traction bars http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CEE-2101/ or the Slide-A-Link traction bars: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CEE-2100/

**YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY** · #7 04-07-2011, 06:45 PM

Resurrecting.....

**YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY** · #8 04-07-2011, 11:56 PM

Wanted to continue this Leaf Spring / Ladder Bar discussion without invading the Tow Tab thread.

Looking for ideas on how to use the coil spring version on a leaf spring car. Was planning on just fabbing some plates to make it work.... thoughts?

My bars:

Standard instructions:

Out of the box:

**Salvatore** · #9 04-08-2011, 12:57 AM

Again, what is wrong with vintage slapper bars? That, as you know would be correct! There are some Hurst adjustable drag shocks on Ebay for sale for novas. A tough item.

JoeG · #10 04-08-2011, 01:08 AM

I'm with you Sam on this one.....and the...Drag shocks.are a.great option!!

Granted the Ladder Bars look cool...but eventually you're gonna rip or crack something in the rear.if you run the car hard...and you are eventually have to fishplate the chasisis for reinforcement
If you're gonna just tool around town and shows and hit the gas now and again...at least you'll minimize any damage or wear
Anyway..good luck.
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