I've added a '40 Ford rear spring to my Roadster build parts pile. For the been there done that guys how many leaves worked well in a '32 ch***is with a Model A Roadster body? Thanks. Bob
I used a 40 mono rear spring on my Deuce pickup,it rode good but was a little stiff. Since mine was a single leaf I would think removing no more than two leaves would give you a smooth ride. HRP
all depends on what your car is set up is like, i have a 40 ford spring and have 6 leafs in the back rides good but could use 1 more.
Hey Bob ... what is the width on a '40 Ford front spring ? Only asking because of a "sticky" I have on a really low Doane Spencer style ch***is reputedly running a 40 front spring in the rear. I'm only repeating what the article said .... and am only curious. Anyone ?? Supposed to ride well also ... and no I do not know why the builder wouldn't have just installed a 40 rear spring instead. Who knows if the article writer even knows what he wrote ??
Be sure to plan on the '40 spring being straight and the '32 spring (see picture) having a curve when viewed from the top. Plan on some filing or grinding. Charlie Stephens
Thanks, I remember reading about '40 Front spring used in the rear too, and the width just didn't make since to me. I'm using a flattened 37-40 rear crossmember so there isn't any curved spring problem. I think I have a '40 front spring out back, will dig that out tomorrow to compare things. Bob
I used a 39 front spring in the rear recently on a 34 Ford. I got the measurement from the distance between the perches on the front axle that I took the spring off. To me, it looks a lot better than a rear spring, it's width will fit into a stock rear crossmember and it rides and handles just fine.
The front spring is 2" wide and will fit in a 32 rear cross member without grinding. The square hole for the spring pack alignment might have to be altered. I dont have mine road worthy to suggest how many leafs to use.
Before I converted to Posies Semi eliptical kit, I used to run the 40-41 rear spring. As you are aware of, the 32 rear stock spring is offset, to make the later spring fit, you have to notch the rear cross member out a little bit. Determining how many leaves to leave out, depends on the weight (coupe,sedan, roadster) for the best ride. In my case, if I remember , I removed every other leaf (3) & then road tested. Trouble with rear "Buggy Springs" is the undesired "Roll" encountered in curves & mtn. driving.---Running that rear suspension for 200,000 miles, I finally chose to upgrade to the Posies conversion to semi eliptical system, works great for the last 100,000 now.
I am changing to a 40 rear in my 32 and will use the original 32 spring. I have made a weld fixture from a 32 rear to set the perch positions. I have cut the hangers off the 40 and will weld them back on in the 32 position. The other thing is that it allows me to flip the housings so I don't have to replace the stub bearing surfaces. I am taking pics so I might put it in a thread. I have several friends with the 40 front springs. They ride great. The spring rate is about 100 lbs/in per side.
Did a deuce roadster years ago with '36 Ford radius rods. Ground the **** out of a '40 spring to make it fit the '32 crossmember and used 7 or 8 leaves. It worked well.
Respectfully, I'll add my 2 cents. It's Simple. If You have the Correct Parts laying around, Listen & Look at what " Andy " from Kerrville, Tx advised You to do. He is Right on. He hit the Bull on the Nose. His idea works and is an Old Traditional way of doing it. Then add or remove Spring Leaves to suit You. Good Luck. Use "Original " Parts when You & keep it Low.
Bob's not using a '32 rear crossmember, read post #6. He doesn't need to notch the crossmember or the spring. I'm using a '40 rear spring in my highboy'32 Roadster with a reversed eye main leaf and 4 additional leaves. My frame is stock as is the rear crossmember so I did notch the spring to fit. It was very minimal and I did it with a 80 grit flap wheel. If he uses a '40 front spring in the rear he'll have to add or subtract leaves to satisfy the ride.
I did find that '40 front spring, and will post a photo of it with the '40 rear, still plan on using the rear spring. Bob
Bob, You basically have to use the spring that matches your rear end, i have a 36 ford rear end, so i used the 36 spring, if you use a 32-34 rear you need a 32-4 rear spring because the spring hangers are different length to accomodate the strait or curved spring jeff
My pile consists of a nine inch Ford rear, '36 bones, '40 rear spring and rear crossmember, that will all get mated to an original '32 ch***is with an X member from a 1937 ch***is. Bob
I have made my own spring based on Posies dimmensions 2,5" lowering + made completely new flatened rear crossmember also 2,5" We will see how it will work for me.
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