Suspension springs

[sr325]

Hi Guys,

I've already pulled the hubs and backing plates (getting completely new rebuilt backing plates and cast iron hubs). Now, of course, because I Always want to do things "right", I'm thinking of pulling the (front) axel (to get it powder coated) and replace the shackles. Can anyone tell me how to test the spring, itself, to know if I need to replace it or do anything else?

Thanks so much for your input.

Richard

[History]

I believe one way is if the spring eyes are touching the front axle like mine is. I’m sure there’s a little room to cover wear in the shackle bushing. I’m contemplating “rearching” mine but may just go new.

[rotorwrench]

A person would need a curve profile sheet for each leaf to properly check a spring assembly. How the car sets and ride height would be the only other way when measured from a flat level surface. I don't know what the proper ride height would average out to so I can't help there. Differences from side to side can indicate a need for re-arching the old springs back to specs or replacing them with serviceable parts. As was mentioned, the distance between spring and axle can be an indication but it can also indicate worn out spring & perch bushings and/or shackle parts. I've seen many a model A axle with divots where the springs made contact.

[WHN]

Just replace the spring with new USA made.

Suspension is to important to mess around with. Front end, brakes, springs, shocks, need to be correct. Do it right once and your done.

Enjoy.

[Fhane]

Brattons catalog has the measurements you need listed under front spring. Who is making making proper Model A springs now. Thanks in advance.

[rotorwrench]

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Eaton Detroit Spring seems to be like back order Bob these days. They don't seem to be producing any or the sources stopped ordering them. Foreign made ones are available but I don't know about the quality.

[Fhane]

Thanks for the info on Eaton Detroit. I believe i talked to them last week. They do make a front spring for the Model A. There is a slight problem. The spring steel available today is thicker than the steel used in original Model A. They make a 8 leaf spring that is comparable to the Model A. Before you take my word verify with Eaton Detroit. Thanks again for the info.

[jeepguy1948]

Call Todd or Kris at Posies rods and customs and ask about their “Super Slide” springs

[jeepguy1948]

Most Model A shocks are so rusted that they hardly move, which is why so many people say that they don’t need shock absorbers. Posies has new springs that are stock ride height (or lower if that’s what you want) they just work better.

[sr325]

Thanks Guys,

I like WHN's response. I think I'll just re-new everything, if I can find a good source for the springs.

[Robbie Horn]

Originally Posted by History

I believe one way is if the spring eyes are touching the front axle like mine is. I’m sure there’s a little room to cover wear in the shackle bushing. I’m contemplating “rearching” mine but may just go new.

I'm thinking that if your spring eyes are touching the axle that your shackle bushings are wore out. If you car is sitting at the correct ride height the spring is probably ok.

[History]

Originally Posted by Robbie Horn

I'm thinking that if your spring eyes are touching the axle that your shackle bushings are wore out. If you car is sitting at the correct ride height the spring is probably ok.

Hopefully you are correct, I haven’t gotten to that yet to know for sure.