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Short or long quarter ellipticals? Is one better?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by cubed, Nov 29, 2007.

  1. cubed
    Joined: Aug 21, 2007
    Posts: 117

    cubed
    Member
    from Canada

    I can't find an answer :confused: in the searches for recommended length of quarter ellipicals. Is one better-short or long? Probably long has better ride?
    I was thinking about cutting my A spring in two making each qtr about 26-28 inches. Will the two be stiffer in a qtr ellip setup than the one transverse spring?
     
  2. bobw
    Joined: Mar 24, 2006
    Posts: 2,376

    bobw
    Member

    I think you miscalculated the length for the quarter ellipticals. An A front spring is around 30". I cut one in half for a '27 lakes roadster and it worked fine. Don't remember how many leaves it ended up with. It stays under control with home made friction shocks. On my son's '27 roadster I used quarter ellipticals that are about 22" long. They run down the sides of the frame a ways. We had to play with shock angles, etc. to get the front end under control on bumpy roads. Both roadsters ride nice in the front end. The rear of my son's could be a little softer (coil springs).
     
  3. cubed
    Joined: Aug 21, 2007
    Posts: 117

    cubed
    Member
    from Canada

    I am planning to use a rear A spring...
     
  4. bobw
    Joined: Mar 24, 2006
    Posts: 2,376

    bobw
    Member

    I'm ***uming you're using the rear spring in the rear? I cut a 40" spring in half and made quarter elliptics for the back of a '35 International, no fenders, no box. The springs are 2" wide and the leaf thickness is about the same as an A rear spring. I found three leafs was right for my installation. Yes, longer will provide a better ride. add or subtract leaves as needed. I put teflon ****ons between the leaves to reduce friction. It still rides a little stiff. In the spring I'll shorten the leaf next to the main leaf to soften it up a bit. The high arch in your A rear spring will make mounting it a bit difficult. Good luck with your project.
     
  5. mpls|cafe|racer
    Joined: Jun 18, 2006
    Posts: 1,323

    mpls|cafe|racer
    BANNED

    Any parallel leaf spring that's anchored or shackled in the center is acting as 2 quarter ellipticals, just with different orientation.
     

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