I want to replace the rear leaf springs in my 70 XR7 convert with a FMX transmission and a 351c. After reading some of the topics some of you guys recommended using a company ESPO. Thanks for the recommendations. I am putting on new coil springs to drop the from end about 1”. Does any one know the original height of the rear end? Does any one have a pic (pics) of a rear end with leaf springs the raise it 1” and/or 2”? Just trying to get an idea of what that will look like. Thanks for any help.
Sorry I’m so late replying, but I would advise against buying the ESPO springs with the 1" lift. Here’s the result on my 68. The 1" lift was way too high and I ended up installing lowering blocks to get the car back to sitting level. For reference, the front has the common aftermarket “600” coil springs.
Thanks for the reply MFC133. Your car looks awesome. I purchased coil springs with a one inch drop from WCCC. Would you still suggest going with the 1” lift on the rear leaf springs? Will that level out the car or put the rear end to high? Does that make sense?
Throw a bag of cement in the trunk .
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great idea JC. If I can avoid that, I would like to but a great plan B
I put new leaf springs on mine and it raised the rear about 2 in even though it is leaf springs for the stock application. I’m old school, I threw two sacks of Stucco in the trunk and it gives it the A1 stance I like. LOL
I’d go with stock height leaf springs, no lift. In the above picture my car has the 1" drop in the front and 1" lift in the rear and you can see it sits way too high.
Here’s another pic of the car after I put 1" lowering blocks on to try and level it back out.
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Maybe I am lucky. I just had Eaton springs installed and I am happy with the ride height. I purchased stock ride height but HD 95lb/in versus original 85lb/in.
I’m new to this site and cant see how to attach before and after pics. Suffice to say the car now sits level and doesn’t bottom when going over speed bumps.
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Here is my '70 351C-4V PS PDB A/C 4sp convertible with 8356 front springs and 66-271 rear springs, P235-60x14 tires. The 200 PSI KYB Gas-A-Just shocks may raise it slightly. It sits level and doesn’t bottom out.
Vic Yarberry
Cougars Unlimited LLC
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That looks fantastic! Got to love Eliminator one of none convertibles.
Thanks mfc133. Your car looks great. Thanks for the pics, they are a huge help. I think I will go with the stand height springs from espo.
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Awesome job. Thanks for the specs on the parts. That car looks amazing.
Beautiful car Vic!
General Spring has the 66-311 back in stock at $159 each plus shipping as of 3/5/2025
This is the “imporved handling” It fits on all 67 -70 Cougars and will not change the original height.
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Better traction in the snow too! 
Bill, thanks for posting the link for the rear springs, the timing is perfect- Is there a measurement of free arc for leafs that might gauge the wear, or condition? I bought a pair of rear leafs for my 70 a few years ago that were supposed to be ‘new’ but now I don’t remember the details about them.
I ordered 2 set on Thurs afternoon. I got them Saturday afternoon. $89 per set shipping (3/9/2025)
As far a specs, look up spring #66-311 This is the standard # spec for all Mfgs of springs.
I have this info:
Spring rate 120Lbs Measurement 24 15/15" x 34 3/16" for longest leaf & shortest.
Woodsnake : Have a look at the image of a leaf spring that I’ve posted. Which measurement is it that you require ? Perhaps this diagram might help readers to determine what is meant by the ‘free arc’ that you need. ( I’ve added one additional ‘measure’ that being “F” - perhaps that’s the ‘free arc’ that you are speaking of ? )
GAH, the “F” measurement is what I was looking for. I was thinking I could measure that distance and get some clue if the spring was worn out or not.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t C and F the same?