The Ford Barn

ScubaChief60 · 02-14-2026, 06:30 AM

I am finally getting around to lubricating the rear covered transverse spring.

I have a nice Lubroclamp... and the grease, but when I began searching for the 3/16" holes up approx. 6 inches toward spring center from the spring eyes on the underside... there are no holes.

The springs have the original lubricant slowing oozing from the ends of the cover as it stands now.

I am very surprised that the cover and spring are in such good condition some 90 years later.

Is it common to have to drill thru the cover the first time?

Thanks all!

KiWinUS · 02-14-2026, 10:07 AM

Did 35 or 36 come with spring covers from new? I know my 36 didn’t.

Kurt in NJ · 02-14-2026, 10:11 AM

No grease — that clogs the internal passages,the center bolt has the lubrication passages

Terry,OH · 02-14-2026, 10:25 AM

35 and earlier spring does not have any lubrication hole or spring cover, this is the case for the front and rear spring. In 36 Ford added a lubrication fitting and Zerk to the center bolt which continued for many years. Ford used a Soda Soap grease for the springs but you will not find any. Many use 5th wheel grease as used on semi trucks.

petehoovie · 02-14-2026, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

No grease — that clogs the internal passages,the center bolt has the lubrication passages

ScubaChief60 · 02-14-2026, 07:25 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

You all are the best!

Not sure what kind of hybrid setup I have, but my rear spring on my '35 is covered.

I do see the lubrication fitting and Zerk to the center bolt.

I suppose that maybe the rear spring was replaced at some point prior to 1954. I say 1954 because that is the year of the NC plate that came with the car when I acquired it back in 1991... so whatever was changed was before 1991

I have heard about the 5th wheel grease and so will try to get my hands on that.

Did I say thank you to all of you? It is appreciated!

Kurt in NJ · 02-15-2026, 07:32 AM

I had a 46 Ford that grease was used— it rode hard
Had a 39 that only the thin viscosity spring lube had be used and it ride wonderful.
Grease clogs the passages and the lubricant won’t get to the tips of the leaves where the lubricant is needed,

02-14-2026, 06:30 AM	#1
ScubaChief60 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Summerfield, NC Posts: 256	1935 Model 48 - no 3/16' holes in spring covers I am finally getting around to lubricating the rear covered transverse spring. I have a nice Lubroclamp... and the grease, but when I began searching for the 3/16" holes up approx. 6 inches toward spring center from the spring eyes on the underside... there are no holes. The springs have the original lubricant slowing oozing from the ends of the cover as it stands now. I am very surprised that the cover and spring are in such good condition some 90 years later. Is it common to have to drill thru the cover the first time? Thanks all!

02-14-2026, 10:07 AM	#2
KiWinUS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Charlotte NC KiWi-L100 available here Posts: 3,415	Re: 1935 Model 48 - no 3/16' holes in spring covers Did 35 or 36 come with spring covers from new? I know my 36 didn’t.

02-14-2026, 10:25 AM	#4
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,394	Re: 1935 Model 48 - no 3/16' holes in spring covers 35 and earlier spring does not have any lubrication hole or spring cover, this is the case for the front and rear spring. In 36 Ford added a lubrication fitting and Zerk to the center bolt which continued for many years. Ford used a Soda Soap grease for the springs but you will not find any. Many use 5th wheel grease as used on semi trucks.

02-14-2026, 07:25 PM	#6
ScubaChief60 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Summerfield, NC Posts: 256	Re: 1935 Model 48 - no 3/16' holes in spring covers Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You all are the best! Not sure what kind of hybrid setup I have, but my rear spring on my '35 is covered. I do see the lubrication fitting and Zerk to the center bolt. I suppose that maybe the rear spring was replaced at some point prior to 1954. I say 1954 because that is the year of the NC plate that came with the car when I acquired it back in 1991... so whatever was changed was before 1991 I have heard about the 5th wheel grease and so will try to get my hands on that. Did I say thank you to all of you? It is appreciated!

02-15-2026, 07:32 AM	#7
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,672	Re: 1935 Model 48 - no 3/16' holes in spring covers I had a 46 Ford that grease was used— it rode hard Had a 39 that only the thin viscosity spring lube had be used and it ride wonderful. Grease clogs the passages and the lubricant won’t get to the tips of the leaves where the lubricant is needed,