Fitting New Front Spring

[A31Woody]

I purchased a new spring a while ago. The catalog said:

"The top leaf sides may at times need to be slightly tapered to fit within crossmember."

I haven't taken the old one out yet, as I'm hoping to do it in one shot. I have the new spring broken down right now and would like to grind it down prior to painting and lubing.

How much should I grind down on the sides?

[TinCup]

What you are trying to do is prevent the spring from digging in the spring below. Just champer the end of the spring so when it is compressed it doesn't dig in. Also go to Napa and buy yourself some slipplate it is great stuff to paint the spring with.

[lindy williams]

The instruction you quoted is referring to the top leaf of the spring. The outside edges of the top leaf need to be chamfered to fit the shape of the front crossmember of the car frame.

[A31Woody]

Originally Posted by lindy williams

The instruction you quoted is referring to the top leaf of the spring. The outside edges of the top leaf need to be chamfered to fit the shape of the front crossmember of the car frame.

Right... wondering how much they need to be ground down prior to painting.

[Rusty Homestead Fl]

You may want to bevel the sides of the top leaf so it will seat properly in the cross member.

[ScottNW/Ohio]

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Grind off about an 1/8" off the front and rear of the top leaf
Some replacement springs are wider than originals, this helps it 'seat' in the crossmember

[A31Woody]

Originally Posted by Rusty Homestead Fl

You may want to bevel the sides of the top leaf so it will seat properly in the cross arm

Just what I needed. Thanks!

[wrndln]

Why don't you just clean up the top leaf of the old spring that is already tapered and install it on the new spring?
Rusty Nelson

[lance leblanc]

Should'nt a piece of oiled leather or welt be inserted on top of the new spring before installation?

[Steve Wastler]

No.