Settling of the rear spring
 

To install the rear spring on my '29 Tudor, I just put the rear spring "anti-squeek" material on top of my rear spring and synched everything down real good. I don't know the torque I used, but I did it by feel, where things felt "tight". That was two days ago. Then yesterday, I re-torqued the bolts and noticed they didn't seem tight like they did the day before - and I re-torqued them to "tight". So, today, I did the same -- I re-torqued the bolts, again. I don't think it's my imagination, but I think the anti-squeek material is settling, to where I need to take my time to let it settle completely before I stop tightening and put the cotter keys in. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

Re: Settling of the rear spring
 

The anti-squeak goes between the floorpan and the top of the rear cross member. It does not go between the spring and the cross member.

So top to bottom;
Floor pan
Anti-squeak
Cross member
Spring

Re: Settling of the rear spring
 

OK, I was confused, because on page 1-282 of the Les Andrews Vol. 1, under "Installing Rear Spring", paragraph 3, it says: "Cut a 6" strip of body welt to be placed between the spring and cross member, etc. The piece of anti-squeek material I referred to appeared to me to be something designed for where the "body welt" was to go. Oh well, it's in there now. I imagine it will be OK as a substitute, as it's impregnated with pitch which will lube the contact between the top of the spring and the cross member. Thanks for the response. Next time I'll do it perfectly.

Re: Settling of the rear spring
 

Spring anti squeak won't do much good on top of the cross member ? I found it on top of the spring .

Re: Settling of the rear spring
 

I have always used material on to of the spring to cushion the crossmember. I like a leather strip and a bit of grease. I punch a hole for the spring bolt.

Re: Settling of the rear spring
 

It's designed to stop the squeak between the floorpan and the crossmember.

Bratton's, Mac's, Mike's.

-Tim

Re: Settling of the rear spring
 

I guess it depends on what parts book your reading

Sacramento Vintage Ford page 58 #129 Anti Squeak pad fits between crossmember and rear spring 1928 - 48 more than one way to stop a squeak .The Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook page 1 -282 Cut a 6" strip of welt to be placed between spring and cross member Cut a hole to clear center bolt . Glue to top leave . coat with grease .

Re: Settling of the rear spring
 

Thank you for the input, gentlemen. I think it makes sense to have something between the top of the spring and the cross member, just so it's not metal on metal. After all, even though it's not designed to have movement, there must be some slight movement between the spring and the cross member and, therefore, something that allows for movement without the metal on metal would be a good idea. I will give the piece a few days to fully settle and then put in the cotter keys. Thanks, again.