Rear Shocks and Leafs, what do I need?

[53OlderThanMe]

Putting my roadster together have a Model A Banjo, 8 Leaf Spring and 30 Frame.

No shocks or linkage to the rear. I have the spring mounted but it is 8 leafs as I understand the Roadster should be 7 leafs. Can I remove a leaf or 2, advice on that please.

I realize the rear shocks mount to the outside of the frame. Am I correct in assuming I need the arm that attaches to the shock and a dog bone link to connect from the shock arm to the ball on the rear shock mount?

Thanks, photos appreciated if you have any of the rear shock setup.

[Patrick L.]

I doubt it'll make any difference with either 7 or 8 leaves. And, yes, you'll need the shocks [ or should use shocks], correct arms and either the original type links or dog bones.

[vermontboy]

Here's a pix that may help ...

[Kevin in NJ]

I believe the roadster spring is 7 leaves with a dummy.

There are 3 different cross pieces for the spring to frame clamps. Each has a different depth depending on the # of leaves. The longest are made for 8 leaves so a dummy spring leaf is needed.

The shocks are needed in pairs. One is AC and the other CW for the direction of stiffness. The correct links would be tubular links, not the later split style shown in the pictures. There is nothing wrong with the split style from a mechanical function. Though I believe (I could be wrong) they use rubber ball covers. If this is so then you take away a potential ground path between the frame and the engine.
The shocks shown in this picture are the later V8 shocks. I do not know how well they work, I think they are taller and may require bending the shock arms for fit.

[dave in australia]

If you do decide to remove a leaf, do no remove the one at the top. It has tapered sides so it clears the radius of the chassis arch sides. If you don't have this, you run a high risk of cracking your chassis.

[53OlderThanMe]

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Thanks guys that helps, its what I thought but thinking and seeing are 2 different things.

[53OlderThanMe]

About to reassemble the banjo now that everything is cleaned and painted. Quick question, the 2 filler holes are installed up top side not bottom? Difficult to tell as one could be a drain but then the other doesn't appear high enough to be a filler?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Both plugs fall BELOW the centerline, so it must be upside down now.

Also make sure the ring gear is on the LEFT side of the pinion, or you'll have 3 speeds reverse.