[OilPatch197]

I got a '67 nova with Mono leaf supension, now I am in the middle of a muti-leaf conversion, however the STOCK leaf spring perch bolts are too short to use with the mutileafs and the Pads, so I just removed the pads, IS THIS OK on a street machine?

I heard that you can acellerate faster without the pads.

Also can you tell me what is the leaf spring pads purpose is? I think it is for a softer ride, but I don't care for that.

[willys36@aol.com]

I am not sure what you mean by 'pad'. I am familiar with that term being applied to the metal mounting plate welded to the axle housing that locates the spring and, yes these are definitely needed! The axle would spin uncontrolled in the U-bolts and break the U-joint without them. I suspect what you are referring to as 'pads' is a thick rubber cushion that fits between the spring and it's axle mounting pad. If it is the latter, you can leave it out. Some cars use them and some don't. They are unnecessary.