Building a T Bucket frame but a little different than the norm. I am using a flat Model A style front cross member with split bones. I am using mounts that are welded to the bones themselves, without completely cutting and changing the frame, I need a custom width leaf I believe. I have a Speedway T Bucket front leaf laying around (measures 26" center eye to eye) and is too narrow. With the chassis in the air, the eyelets on my bones measure 31.5" eye to eye. Speedway and everywhere I read says to deduct around 4.5 to 5" for a spring width. To make sure I order the correct width leaf (dealing with Posies), should a 27" spring be the target I am shooting for? Reason I ask is using the 26er for mockup, unsprung weight lilting the shackles almost straight out, with a 27" leaf just hanging I will still be roughly 1/2" away from them bolting up. I realize that when the spring compresses it will widen but should I have to compress it for bolting it up?
A little straightening effort to get the shackles in is normal in my experience. I'd be careful though if you were to be looking at a super low spring as they're rather flat, so don't have much in the way of elongation when loaded. Chris
The Jalopy Journal
