I've been looking at Gasser pictures, and I've found that most early cars ran a Model A-style transverse spring set-up, often bolted to the front crossmember. Then, later, they ran the parallel leaf springs and either truck or straight axles. What are the drawbacks or advantages to using the single spring, and how much weight do you really think they would be good for? Some of these cars look pretty heavy... Is steering easier to set up one one verses the other? Which one would YOU run, and is there anybody with experience with both styles?
no experience with both on gassers, but the transverse leaf A style is only good for about a 2500 pound car, unless you throw a massive leaf in and beef all the mounting points up. The steering would probably be easier though. I would go paraellel leafs first because it can support more weight, second, it's simpler, you just mount them straight under each frame rail, and it will handle better, way less body roll. Plus, just due to the design with parellel leaves/straight axle you'll be getting the front up higher easier, without any suspect spring mounts or super arched leaf spring of the transverse
I went with parallel leafs, one because it is really easy, two not that expensive to get all new stuff (Speedway) and I wanted as little body roll as possible. The third style that you did not mention was coil over. They are pretty easy to rig up too (ala two lane black top)...but will hit you hard in the wallet. I really like the way my car handles...when I go thru the lights at 110 I take my hands completely off the wheel to start turning off switches. Still alive today to tell you about it. PS...I have my car set up with a cross steer/behind the axle setup using a early Impala manual steering gear box and again all Speedway stuff
I prefer the parrel leaf springs. Make a bad landing on the traverse and you cab bend a hairpin and that usually ends up getting the car and you bent.
my last anglia was cross spring .....straight axle....hair pins ....and a vega box cross steer ......(mas axle & hairpins....speedway spindles & spring & other misc parts) used the stock crossmember ....but have seen old pics of guys using a bent tube ( like a drop tranny crossmember) its a simple design ....less parts.....and as long as you get the caster right your alright....the penny was set at 8 degrees ......didn't act stupid.....and would go down the expressway at 80+ no problem ....just pay attention to the draglinks ....keep them parallel....and parallel to the ground......BUMP STEER SUCKS>>>>>>.. i guess its all just personal preferance....there are still old gassers running around with a cross spring setup .... brandon
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