Leaf link question

MIRADA · 08-14-2013, 09:34 PM

I have a question,I have a Dodge Mirada SS/KA ,the car was built by my uncle in the early 80s using the old leaf link setup.I had a new Armstrong built 360 and with the extra 75plus hp .the car doesn't want to hook.sometimes it will but its kinda all over the place,The leaf link uses inboard mounted springs with upper and lower bars,I have tried moving weight, transferring weight with torsion bars and tired pressure,I run 30x10.5 Hoosier Radials ,The best 60' is 1.42 but then it might blow the tires off on the next pass.Leaving at 3400rpm on the transbrake.the shocks are Afco non adjustable 70-30s,I know I probably should back halve the car but would like to figure this out first,any help would be appreciated.......Thanks Alan.

Mike Taylor 3601 · 08-15-2013, 08:14 AM

Don't know much on leaf links, I know this will sound crazy.but you may try leaving harder,sometimes it will help by planting tires harder and keeping it hooked.
Sometimes if you leave too soft,and maybe below where you are making good power/torque the tires are'nt planted good and then when it gets in the good power/torque,tires are'nt planted good and just blows them loose.

May not help any but would'nt cost anything to try.
Mike Taylor 3601

Robert Simpson · 08-15-2013, 08:18 AM

Could you post a picture of the rear set up?

340Cuda · 08-15-2013, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Simpson

Could you post a picture of the rear set up?

X2

The Leaf Link cars I remember only had one bar on top.

While backhalf is probably the best solution, you might try a set of Calvert bars and springs.

Bill

MIRADA · 08-15-2013, 12:21 PM

[QUOTE=340Cuda;394885]X2

The Leaf Link cars I remember only had one bar on top.

While backhalf is probably the best solution, you might try a set of Calvert bars and springs.

Bill

Yeah upper and lower bars fully adjustable and multiple hole locations , same setup used on the early Mopar Missle , according to the old Direct Connection Chassis book....but not alot of info about it.The only bar adj made was the lower ones to raise my IC ..didnt seem to matter..I will post pics tonight...Thanks

Lee Valentine · 08-15-2013, 08:07 PM

Try footbreaking it for a race or two, it may be kicking the radial tires loose on some runs similar to a stick car.

08-14-2013, 09:34 PM	#1
MIRADA Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Moncton N.B. Canada Posts: 25 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Leaf link question I have a question,I have a Dodge Mirada SS/KA ,the car was built by my uncle in the early 80s using the old leaf link setup.I had a new Armstrong built 360 and with the extra 75plus hp .the car doesn't want to hook.sometimes it will but its kinda all over the place,The leaf link uses inboard mounted springs with upper and lower bars,I have tried moving weight, transferring weight with torsion bars and tired pressure,I run 30x10.5 Hoosier Radials ,The best 60' is 1.42 but then it might blow the tires off on the next pass.Leaving at 3400rpm on the transbrake.the shocks are Afco non adjustable 70-30s,I know I probably should back halve the car but would like to figure this out first,any help would be appreciated.......Thanks Alan.

08-15-2013, 08:14 AM	#2
Mike Taylor 3601 VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Somerset,Ky Posts: 1,348 Likes: 296 Liked 248 Times in 87 Posts	Re: Leaf link question Don't know much on leaf links, I know this will sound crazy.but you may try leaving harder,sometimes it will help by planting tires harder and keeping it hooked. Sometimes if you leave too soft,and maybe below where you are making good power/torque the tires are'nt planted good and then when it gets in the good power/torque,tires are'nt planted good and just blows them loose. May not help any but would'nt cost anything to try. Mike Taylor 3601

08-15-2013, 08:18 AM	#3
Robert Simpson Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 805 Likes: 7 Liked 20 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Leaf link question Could you post a picture of the rear set up?

08-15-2013, 12:21 PM	#5
MIRADA Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Moncton N.B. Canada Posts: 25 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Leaf link question [QUOTE=340Cuda;394885]X2 The Leaf Link cars I remember only had one bar on top. While backhalf is probably the best solution, you might try a set of Calvert bars and springs. Bill Yeah upper and lower bars fully adjustable and multiple hole locations , same setup used on the early Mopar Missle , according to the old Direct Connection Chassis book....but not alot of info about it.The only bar adj made was the lower ones to raise my IC ..didnt seem to matter..I will post pics tonight...Thanks

08-15-2013, 08:07 PM	#6
Lee Valentine Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Brookfield, CT Posts: 708 Likes: 13 Liked 319 Times in 68 Posts	Re: Leaf link question Try footbreaking it for a race or two, it may be kicking the radial tires loose on some runs similar to a stick car. __________________ Lee Valentine 1661 STK