I need to order a front cross spring. I am converting a stock 1940 front end from the spring in front to a spring over application and need to find the right one. Speedway says to measure center of boss to other and subtract 4.5". From center of perch boss to center of other is 38", so that minus 4.5" would be 33.5". I believe that is the spring I need. I can't find one anywhere and was wondering if any one knew where to get one. I called a local spring place and to have one made would be over $300. That seems a bit high to me and I won't pay that. Any input would me most appreciated. Thanks guys!!!
Posies has the spring you need , i believe the part # is 1009 FYI , the C to C on your axle perch boss is 38-1/2" http://www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com/
Speedway should have the you need and they are a couple of bucks cheaper (or were) than going diret to Posies. Get the Super Slider. Not exactly traditional. But it works a lot better.
If you convert your '40 to spring over, you're going to shift the wheel centers forward a couple inches. Is that going to present a problem with appearance (wheels won't be centered in opening in fender)?
Dale, I am using the 40 front end on the model a project recently acquired. I'm building a frame and a buddy just had this stock front end sitting around and gave it to me for free. Couldn't p*** it up.
I wonder about this method of measurement. Spring perch bolts have the spring perch slightly inboard of the bolt center line. So there is probably an inch of difference there between the center to center measurements of bosses and perches. If your measurement for bosses is 38" and they want 4.5" subtracted that leaves 33.5". The perch to perch measurement is 37" so taking 1.5 inches per side for shackles you end up with 34" leaving only 1/2 inch for tensioning the spring when mounting. I'm thinking stock Fords have at least 1" tension. I think I'd fudge it a bit to gain the extra 1/2". The transverse system works very well when used as Henry designed it for best load carrying and sway control. The key here is measuring from perch to perch rather than axle boss to axle boss.
I did the same thing with a '37 front axle a few months ago, I called Posies & they have a spring for exactly what you want to do. Real helpful on the phone & they shipped it out very quickly.
Thanks whitewallslick. I'm calling posie's today. i tried Speedway and they referred me there too. Pasadena, the diagram I have says nothing about tensioning the spring upon install. It just says measure boss to boss, then subtract 4.5", or measure shackle to shackle with no take-out. Maybe it is wrong, I don't know.
Posies is pretty good on applications. For front springs just use their basic measurement of subtracting 5", spring perch boss c/l's for almost any front axle. On your choice of axle, just remember, you may have some rub issues between tires and wishbones since it is fairly narrow and has wider radius rod mounts then the 28 to 36 axles. Btw, that's a really great looking coupe body you have for your project.
lik2writ, thanks for the added info. I will keep all this in mind. I just had an awesome meeting with a friend of a friend. He's gonna help me build a ch***is. I was a little skeptical after seeing work from others around here but this guy's stuff actually blew me away. Getting the "friend of a friend" discount too. Too sweet.
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