How far would you go !

I"m building a 35 pickup that I want to put some long miles on and looking for imput on suspensions. The truck is set up with a model A spring now but that thing is so stiff I can't cycle the suspension, plus it sits to high. I"m wanting to make 1000 mile trips and not beat myself to death in the process. I have a 56 truck on bags, (I know) that rides fantastic, better than a new truck but I"m not sure I want to go that route. How well do the model A or T springs work, how well do they control body roll with only a center mounting point. I have never rode in a car with this setup. How far have you gone with your single spring suspension?

 

I don't know... but that truck looks cool!!!!!

 

I will be having the same questions once I start the 41......subscribed

 

Buggy springs are fine if the springs are well lubed. Take them apart, sand them smooth and soak them in oil. As an added precaution, you can grease them and wrap them. I've seen leather or header wrap used. Some have use teflon strips but they wear out pretty quick. If you're running fenders, you could always go with IFS with coilovers and coilovers on the rear.

 

Try a T spring with a couple leaves removed. I have on it the rear of my A sedan and it is softer and sits considerably lower.

 

Oooh, You got it Z'd in the back, the front probally sits higher than the back now.

MMii will get you down low.

Or if you want to use what you got, move the front spring & crossmember to under the #1 & 2 pistons as high as possible put the perches in the wishbones(All those DiscoBillys call this "Suicide Front End").

 

the back will be stiffer without the bed

 

Why not try taking a few leaves out of the middle of the pack, unless you're planning on hauling gravel with it?
Ralph

 

1) remove some leaves.
2) chamfer all the ends of the springs.
3) lubricate

 

I was also suprised at how stiff the model A rear spring is, will removing some leafs help? my stock sedan spring had 10 leafs. I'm down to 7 now with a reversed main leaf. but i think I will remove one more.

 

I"m in process of doing the frame now. The front is z'ed 3" and the frame sits level at the moment without the rear leaf installed. Also have a 4" drop axel. Frame ride hight I'm shooting for is 5".

 

Yep. Remove the third longest leaf, then maybe the second from the top, and give it a try. Should be softer and maybe lower. Mix and match to suit once the truck is driving.