O.K., Dumb question. I see model A springs mounted on the stock spring hangers on later model banjo's . How is this done? Do you just spread the spring till it fits, make longer shackles, or does it just bolt up?
The model A spring mounts at 49 1/4 the '37-40 mounts at 48" ..the '41 -'48 mounts at 47" ......eveyone does it but that doesnt make it right......or perfect I should say. If you leave all the springs in the pack it might be firm enough to keep the shackles at 45 degrees , but the ride is rough. I took mine down to 5 leaves and the stock 49 1/4 " was to narrow (the shackles were to vertical). it lets the body/frame swing on the shackles. I hade to remount the spring at 49 3/4" just try it. if the shackles stay at the correct degree ..then roll with it. - Gary
I've got a T rear spring on my '34 Chevy for a '39 Ford rear. I did trim a bit off the spring hangers ( A and T springs being 2" and the '39 at 2-1/4") Other than that,bolted right up.
I have an "A" spring over a Mustang rear. Eyes reversed and each side shortened 1 1/2 in. Main leaf, skip one, next leaf, skip two, Next leaf then a bunch of small ones to make up the stack. This was not an overnight process. Lots of trial and error. Spring would settle. Shorten some more. 3 times. 1/2 in at a time. Shackles at 45 now. ride is super for a 2300 lb car.
I've always assumed the '40 rear I stuck under my A pickup has an A spring, but I'll have to have a look at how it's hung, other than being on the stock bones so the position is screwed up I didn't even think about the geometry.