here's my problem guys. i'm building a '29 tudor with a 37-41 front axle with model A split wishbones. im sticking with a spring over set-up. im using a speedway 2" drop front crossmember. the x-member accepts a 1.75" wide spring. using this set-up i need a 33.5" long front leaf. ive been searching all over for a main leaf of this length. nobody sells a main leaf by itself. posies will only sell an ***embled leaf pack. ive already got an old front transverse that is 36.5" and i want to use the pack from that. the only spring shop here wants like $200 to make one in tampa. any idea where i can find a 33.5" main leaf? other ideas? anybody know what a 36.5" spring is from? i dont know where i got it. thanks in advance.
Go to a reputable spring shop and have them make you one. If all else fails call (501) 374-0287. Talk to Patrick.
I know how you feel. I have a 41 axle and 34 split bones, and the 41 spring is too wide. So I'm going to switch to a Model A axle and save the other one for another day. Good luck!
exactly how long is a 41 spring? wait, lemme guess...36.5"? also, you dont need to switch to a model A axle. posies has a complete leaf pack for your set-up. i just dont feel i should have to pay for an ***embled spring when all i need a main leaf. im thinking i should be spending around $40-45. am i crazy? that seems to be the going rate for most standard size main leafs. i know im not the only one running this set-up.
Spring dimensions are measured different ways by different folks. Some measure the spring from the eye over the top to the other eye. Some measure the spring from the eye under the bottom to the other eye. Some measure the spring from center of eye to center of eye across the gap between the eyes. Although the dimension of overall length in the first two methods remains the same, the third varies by whether the spring is ***embled or the main leaf is loose. Loose the main leaf measures longer than ***embled across the eyes. Ford springs are installed in tension for proper operation. Spring shackles measure about 1.5 inches eye to eye from 09-34 and slightly longer from 35-41. So, to calculate a spring for fit using a Model A rear as an example, you take the perch eye to eye measurement of 49.5 inches, subtract the shackle measurement of 1.5 inches per side, giving you a spread of 46.5 inches. The spring to fit this should measure about 45 inches giving about 3/4" per side to installed spread. When installed the spring shackles will be parallel with the axle, after loading with ch***is weight they will drop between to 30-45 degrees which is ideal factory loaded.
although it makes sense, i didnt realize that the main leaf would be longer when not part of the leaf pack. this is getting complicated. how am i supposed to calculate the length of a main leaf that needs to become 33.5" in length as part of the ***embled leaf pack? seems like we're starting to get into the topic of spring rates and the thickness of the material here both of which i hadnt considered prior to your post. are you saying that an un***embled main leaf needs to be about an inch and a half shorter because once ***embled it will flatten out to the correct length?
Hey Tigershark, I don't think that you are crazy at all. And if you can find a spring shop to make up or modify an exhisting leaf then you should be on your way. I will take a look at Posie's as my main leaf is badly twisted and I'll have to fix it or junk it. And I'm not too wild about having a 70 odd year old piece of spring steel holding up half of the car, especially with the roads in my neck of the woods.
Tigershark, wanted to ad lib on pm stuff. The spring leaves, aka repair plates, now sell for $35.00 plus each, uncut, no eyes, one center hole. You then have to pay whatever labor rate to have the leaf formed to fit your needs. The few that still know the "art" know how hard it is to make a left/right matching arch spring----keep it level. Spe******t can fix bent leaves, but not twisted junk. Be prepared to spend labor $$$$$$$$. I would advise to use eye spacing to match something Henry did, will probably save some bucks for other places on the car.
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