Non-parallel Leaf Springs ?

Do leaf springs have to be setup parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rear axle?

In other words, could they be setup on a slight angle, narrower at the front and wider at the back? If so, how great an angle can be used? 10 to 15 degreess?

Thanks,
Tony

 

Sure they can. Several cars from the '20's and '30's that had parallel leaf springs weren't actually parallel. Most Plymouth and Dodge cars were like that.

 

Overland in the 1920's had the setup like that front & rear. Do a search this topic has been here several times.

 

Even Camaros and Firebirds werent parrallel

 

Non-parallel (as viewed from above) leaf springs tend to have a self cancelling (dampening) effect on the rear suspension. This eases the shock stiffness required to control occolations of the suspension. When you use lighter shocks your ride quality tends to be better.

Frank

 

i have a 28 chevy and my front end technically isnt parallel even though i refer to my fron suspension as "parallel leafs"
these are the only ones i could find that may help

 

I think if you researched the subject you'd find they were rarely parallel partly because the frames were commonly wider at the rear than the front and it affects handling and steering characteristics when the right to left wheelbases change when the body leans on turns. That's a book in itself...

 

Wow! Thanks to all for the education.

Tony

 

I bought a boly in kit for my 40, Ch***is Engi. I think, and accidentally installed the brackets wrong which resulted in the springs being out of parallel about 1.5 in. Didn't notice till it was all ****oned up and welded. I cant tell any ill affects at all, dont think it matters.
Ron

 

On my 35 Chevy both the front and rear leaf springs are not parallel

Gary