Good day fellows. Mick here from the New Orleans area. I am in the process of rendering my 31 Model A road ready. I would ask the local A club guys for an opinion. However, once the local fellows found me to being more hotrodder as opposed to being a purist they became rather not. So that being what it is I turned to where information abounds. I have discovered a broken leaf in the front suspension spring ***embly. The third leaf above the main to be specific. I have a similar spring on hand as well. Same number of leaves and material width and thickness as the original. The replacement/ repair spring has a reversed eye main leaf. It also has rubber eye bushings, which appear to be new. I am seeking too either use the spare spring for pieces to repair the original spring or perhaps use the entire ***embly. I am actually making the coupe semi original with the 4 banger and drive train. I am using 19 inch original wheels and tires. I am not opposed to a little drop in the front end, much to the chagrin of the local purists. Any suggestions or ideas and opinions would be appreciated. thanks guys.
Not really sure that you asked a direct question. but yeah you can replace just the leaf or swap the whole pack. The reverse eye will drop it about an inch. If you have mechanical brakes I’m not sure if that’s enough drop to start becoming a geometry issue. But it’s something to consider
If reading correct , Not that much work to drop front axle down from crossmember , use c clamps remove threw bolt ,reales leaves , Swap / fix leaf , clamp back witch c clamps , install threw bolt , raise install axle U bolts , trial and error on ride height
I run with one leaf removed from tbe front spring. Much more comfortable ride. The ride height is affected more by the amount of sag the 95 year old springs have. I put a reverse leaf in but made virtually no difference as the replacement had a higher arch. Whilst you are at it swap some leafs left to right to counter any drivers side sag it may have acquired over the years.
Thanks for the input guys. I was kidding about the Mode A purists. They are a good group. I have come to realize the people on the hamb are knowledgeable concerning most anything vintage vehicle. I have not delt with a spring pack before. I do know the original Model A spring used steel bushings in the eyes as well as the perches. The bushing that are now in the spring eyes may be some type of somewhat pliable poly or teflon. I am inclined to use them if the new shackles I ordered will fit. The is A relatively light. It does have mechanical brakes. The question of sag in the pack is another concern. I just today received two books by A model A expert. A fellow by the name of Les, (his last name escapes me at the moment) One has a complete break down on how to determine the desirable unloaded arc of each spring leaf by measurement. The gentleman also states the each leaf can be re arced by clamping in a vice and bending. I see some trial and error work ahead. I am a believer in gathering as much understanding as I can before ***aulting various components. I really am impressed with these two information publications. Also the swapping leaves end for end to counter drivers side sag is an idea I would not have considered. Makes sense to me. Thanks guys
Model A were steel bushings. Nylon or what ever they are work too but may not be the same size as stock Model A. Dave
If you are going to replace just the single leaf from the extra spring, make sure they have a similar arch. Check when you have them completely dis***embled.
what am I missing here.... the whole spring pack is 120 bucks...???? why would anyone just replace the main.... the main is 90 bucks????????????????????????????????????????
re read the first post.... just look at the car... would you like it 1'' lower??? or not.... if not go through the work to swap the main.... or just pull the 3rd leaf and replace it.... if you opt for the replacing of the 3rd... don't un hook the shackle's... un hook the u bolts put 2 birg c clamps on the spring pack.... take the center bolt out slowly un screw the clamps ... replace the 3rd and put it back together..
The shackle bushings are showing excessive wear. I thought the bushings were steel. There is no evidence of leather in the suspension system that I can determine. Yes Mr. Les Andrews is the author and publisher of the referred to manuals. They are most helpful, and a wealth of information. I did look into replacing the entire spring ***embly. They are out of stock at the suppliers I contacted. Apparently, the springs have been out of stock for a few years according to the person at Snyders. I bought this A in California in 2008. I had fully intended to make a hot rod out of the little coupe. Now 12 years later I have grown to appreciate it for what it is. Being a hotrodder very much, it is difficult not to molest the car. Especially since the replacement 4 cylinder banger is literally sitting next to a fully ready to rock 1970 LT1 Chevy motor, along with a fresh 354 Chrysler Hemi. A friend strolled in into my small shop and caught me with a tape measure doing some ch***is measurements. Tempting I admit. I am not going to suc***b and will finish my sympathetic repair and freshening up. Thanks guys.
I have spoken with a local ch***is shop that has been around for decades. They said all they do now is big truck stuff. My inquiry was to trivial to be considered. I have all the spring stuff I need to made a repair. Thanks to the fellows on the hamb and as well as the excellent manuals from Mr. Les Andrews I am thinking I can achieve satisfactory results. Of course I always think that. Sometimes good sometimes not so good. I will try anyway. Thank you Sir.
I was just giving some suggestions, I'm sure you should be able to accomplish with what you have described ,trial and error put together take apart, Parts do not alway need to be New , Sometimes it makes it easier with new parts but not always the best!
Thanks Eddy. I do appreciate and seriously consider all suggestions you and others have graciously extended. I was all about the $200+ or so new spring. I could not find any supplier that had this item available. A good friend offered up a spring he had in his stash. I really think he saved the day for me. Thats when I came to the Hamb for information and encouragement. No place like here.
The Jalopy Journal
