1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

My '35 three window is sitting too tall in the rear by about 3 inches. I have a Columbia rear end with a 7 leaf spring. I recently crawled under Joe Floyd's '36 three window at the Early Ford V-8 Museum in Auburn Indiana and counted the leaves. It had a seven leave spring as well but was sitting 3 inches lower. What is the problem? Are there different, 7 leaf springs with different thicknesses in the individual leafs? My Columbia came with the seven leaf spring. It was in a 35 pickup. I thought that, because it had seven leafs is would work. Any advice would be appreciated.

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

There are many different configurations of springs. Also, even if the springs in question were identical, they may not be now. One may have been NOS, installed just recently and one may have been supporting the weight of the car for decades.

Too tall you say? Too tall compared to what?
Do you have the authentic tire diameter on this car?
Do you want this car to sit as it was designed to? If so, there are drawings that clearly indicate proper height.

Also, both Jack's and your springs are wrong - period...
They should be ten leaves, not seven.

So, back to my initial questions... just what height are you looking for? It seems to me anyway that "stock" is not what you have in mind.

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

I would make a guess that if the rear end under your car came from a pickup, the spring is a heavy duty unit, in lieu of being a passenger car spring.
I also wonder ?, is the Columbia you have a correct 35-36 unit or has it been built up from later model parts?
My '36 had a Columbia when I bought the car in '52. Did not like the early units so I replaced it with a '42-48, which is actually a '48 with the stock sway bar attachments. I used the '36 banjo/drive-line with the '48 spring. Everything bolted together with no problems. The ride height is perfect, matching up quite well with the 2" dropped front axle.

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

Hi Everyone, jkflathead you might want to flip through this thread and check some of the photos. There are a few pics of '36's and their ride heights are shown with a few variations.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...8053&showall=1

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

Kube, Yes stock height is what I have in mind. I can't find that measurement in the V-8 Club book or on line. What is the distance from floor to center of the fender on your '35? I have 600x16 tires. I think that 29" is about right but I'd like to know factory specs. Thanks.

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

This information helps a LOT.

Okay, from ground level to the center (highest point) of each fender opening you should have 29".

The very highest point of your roof (again, from ground level) should
be 60 1/2".

If you desire stock height, I strongly suggest you install NOS springs. NOT reproductions but actual Ford OEM - new old stock. Not only will the height be restored to what was designed but your ride will also see a significant improvement.

By the way, I've never heard of a seven leaf spring in any flathead Ford passenger car.

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

Thank you all. I'm spring shopping. jk

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

Going from memory here (haha). I think Don Rogers' 35-36 book has a list of the different spring packs for all the models. There were different number of leaves for a few of them. Get it from the V-8 club site's store if you don't already have three copies.

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

The '35/'36 coupe, roadsters and cabriolets had 10 leaf springs. I found one! I had the wrong spring. That was the problem. Thanks.

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

John, thanks for letting us know what the resolution was on this discussion.

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

Kube knows about which he speaks. You'll see the difference that FACTORY NOS (Real Ford NOS) springs made on putting his beautiful '36 roadster back up where it belongs. Note that he did add 6.50 X 16 tires to the upgrade. DD

BEFORE


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1532367124

AFTER-Compare restored height to the tan roadster with original springs.


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1533514592


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1535726094


.

Re: 1935 Coupe Rear Spring
 

I'm glad this worked out well for you.

I recall with humor, all the guys that told me I was THE ONLY guy to change springs in a '36 roadster to raise the height :)