Re: [Chrysler300] Eaton Springs

Hi Rich and All,

Interesting that the data plates for the 300K and 300L are so different. You mentioned that the 2 under the X was for the HD option. On the 300L the code is a 7 under the 8 in the row of numbers at the top.

For what its worth, the number under X is for seat belts, 7 for front only, 8 for front and back.

Perhaps the entirely new body in 1965 led to the changes.

Don Warnaar

----- Original Message -----

From: 'Rich Barber' c300@xxxxxxx [Chrysler300]

To: 2HsandaHeritage@xxxxxxxxxxx ; 'Chrysler300'

Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 10:44 PM

Subject: RE: [Chrysler300] Eaton Springs

Hi Doug:

I would say no. If the leaves are all new, the leaves from the same batch of steel, and the fabrication and heat treating done properly, the springs should perform the same—including slow creep leading to sag. I’ve seen a lot of 300’s at our shows that were jacked up in the rear due to new or re-arched springs installed. Our ’55 C-300 came to its restorer in 1989 with a trailer hitch and coil-over load-bearing “helper” rear shocks. So, if it was called to trailer-towing duty by its original owner, those seven-leaf springs could have taken a set. I put on new HD shocks without coil helpers and it did set a little low, but wicked-looking and close to specified ride height. The C-300’s were set up to ride a little lower than NY’s and Windsor’s as the significantly stiffer F&R springs on the C-300 enabled the car to jounce less without bottoming. I think this is true across the line of letter cars with the HD suspension standard or option. Your sport may have come from the factory with a standard suspension. On all ’64 300’s, the HD suspension is shown as a “2” under the “X”. The ‘64K ram car I bought for its engine had a “1” under the “X” and that is one of the mysteries of Chrysler life. Thinking it might have been special order for just part of the HD package—brakes, springs, shocks, sway bar.

You might check for missing or broken leaves. Communicate with Eaton and let us know what kind of customer service you get. A top-notch outfit would want to pay to have the sagging spring removed and returned for failure analysis. In new cars, this could trigger a recall!

Rich Barber

Your neighbor in Brentwood, CA