How in the hell I´m supposed to get this SOB mounted? I´m using Speedway style spring behind axle welded brackets. Any suggestions? I feel like I´m trying to put square block into the round hole... Thanks, --mika
You need to measure the distance apart that the original Model A mounts on the axle were , then weld the mounts at that distance .Then use a spring spreader to load the spring and fit it to the ch***is and mounts/shackles . You can use a hydraulic "portapower" body ram to spread the spring , but a propper threaded spring spreader is safer.
I dis***emble the spring (C-clamps and thread rod) and mount the main leaf only. Once it's mounted I re-***emble the spring.
Clamp that spring together, securing all of the leaves together. Loosen the bolt holding the pack together, loosen clamp some, repeat, repeat....in other words take the thing apart, just be careful, those ****ers pack a punch. When you go it apart, try to spread just the main leaf and hook it up...it should be easy. Then take a longer bolt and run it through all of the leaves...clamp it all tight, remove long bolt and put the correct one in. Are you sure you want to run an A spring? After you get it all hooked up, put the axle on jack stands and jump on your frame...they're stiff as hell. You can remove leaves and **** OR try a T spring...it sits a bit lower (may need spacer depending on frame? may have needed one (smaller though!) by removing leaves in the A spring too...). Just a thought, the T spring looks real nice in the A crossmember too! Mike
Just while we're on this. I want to run (I think) 5 leaves. Which 5 should I remove? I have heard the shortest 5 or every second one. These would no doubt have very different effects. I don't like the alternate method much only because it leaves a lot of the main leaf unsupported at each end. Thoughts...? Pete P.S. Regarding the original question. I've had some luck with the spring mounted in the crossmember and using BIG C-clamps on each side pulling the spring up into the crossmember. It's a bit hard with 10 leaves in the spring though.
Make sure the width of the spring mounts on the rear end is the same as a stock Model A. Even though the spring seems very stiff it doesn't work well if it is mounted too narrow. It happened to me with a Ford 8" rear end, which wasn't wide enough. I bought a Posies Model A spring designed for a quick change, which is narrower. It works very well and is comfortable even in my light weight Lakes Roadster. If your ride is too stiff in back, try teflon ****ons before removing leaves. I have installed the main leaf and then added the other leaves with threaded rod. Once the spring ***embly is clamped in place in the crossmember the spring center bolt can be installed. I have since made a spreader using a piece of pipe and 3/4" threaded rod. I put a chisel edge on one end of the pipe and one end of the threaded rod. The ***embly fits in the 'vee' where the spring eye wraps. Then just turn the 3'4" nut and spread the spring.
Thanks for answers, I will try. We will see how well it turns out, at least now I know what to do and how to do. --mika
That'd be 49" which is a lot of spreading. No sense doing it with all the leaves packed on. I'm in the middle of the same step on mine. You want your shackes to hang at a 45 deg angles to give optimum travel. Only reason I stopped was I realized the center section of the rear I am using is offset. Trying to decide whether to shorten one tube/axle and center it or not.
unless you take the spring apart , you will need a spring spreader...like this OTC one i have make sure when you weld the brackets on the rear that they are inline to each other and parralel..you may want to build a simple jig to do that
Thanks, good info again, I put the spring together after sand blasting ´cause I thought I could mount it completed but will take it apart again. That original measure should help as well. Thanks.
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