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06-29-2018, 07:52 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Wisconsin
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Front spring replacement advice
My Model A is in great shape overall, but it rides very rough. By that I mean every bump in the road makes a bang sound and I can almost feel it in the steering wheel. Granted, this is my first Model A so I don't have a point of reference for what it "should" feel like. I realize it won't ride like a new Lexus, but I'm guessing it needs some work.
The red Les Andrews books says the center of the front bumper to the ground should be 18.5". Mine is only 16.5". The book also says that there should be minimum 1/4" clearance between the bottom of the front spring eye and the top of the axle. Mine appears to be sitting on the front axle. So, am I correct that the front spring has lost its arch and is shot? Any thoughts by looking at the picture I'm attempting to attach? Anyone have any general tips/advice on replacing the front spring beyond what is in the red Les Andrews book? I know they can be taken apart and re-worked, but I don't want to mess with that and I'm thinking of just getting a new one (looking at the higher end one at Synders for a bit over $200). Also, what is the general consensus on these types of aftermarket shock setups that are on my car? Good/bad? They were on the car when I bought it 2 years ago... Thanks in advance for the advice! |
06-29-2018, 08:38 PM | #2 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
I followed the procedure laid out in the Les Andrews book and it worked out fine for me. Was pretty easy really.
I bought my front spring from Bert's. Here is another source that I've read about and considered. http://www.a-springs.com/products.html I would say your spring is in worse shape than mine was, and mine was pretty bad...
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06-29-2018, 08:50 PM | #3 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
Shocks make a big difference,original style in good shape, but your spring needs help! Easy install! Never used that shock. buy rebuilt set! Shackles sitting on axle!
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06-29-2018, 08:58 PM | #4 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
The shackles and bushes are stuffed.
stuffed Meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary "No more for me thanks - I'm stuffed." |
06-29-2018, 11:04 PM | #5 |
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Location: Redondo Beach, CA
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
Yes, I would agree they are "stuffed". Spring, bushings and possibly spring perches.
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06-30-2018, 06:16 AM | #6 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
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Correct good springs and shocks are very important. I have never tried to rebuild what could be a ninety year old spring. I would replace with a correct one (USA made). I also like using a quality original style shock. If you decide to replace spring, take the time to check over the rest of your front end. All those different parts end up working together. Enjoy. |
06-30-2018, 06:39 AM | #7 |
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Location: La Porte, IN
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
Looks like the spring to toast! Is the drag link rubbing on the tie rod? Might want to look into replacing the sleeves for the spring perch where the shackle bolt goes through. There is nothing wrong with the style of shocks you have.
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06-30-2018, 10:11 AM | #8 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
No sure if I see a cotter pin on the spring perch nut. Those nuts must be very tight.and cotter pinned. I ran tube shocks and finally got rid of the damn things. Looks like yours could be bottoming out because of the collapsed spring.
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06-30-2018, 10:45 AM | #9 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
I had the same problem with both my coupes! Eye of the spring sitting on the front axle. What tipped me off that there was something wrong was when she went into "Death Wobble"! Almost anything chassis related, Can cause "Death Wobble" I would get it at low speeds, in a gravel parking lot. when I would hit even a small bump. The steering wheel has a mind of it's own and it can't decide which way it wants to go. I replaced the shackle bushings and the shackles and Voila! No more "Death Wobble"!
Terry |
06-30-2018, 11:57 AM | #10 | |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
Quote:
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06-30-2018, 12:52 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Wisconsin
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
Thanks for all of the replies. This forum is the best! I'll start ordering some stuff and will try to remember to post back when done (could be a month or so before I get parts and get around to doing it)…
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07-01-2018, 02:11 AM | #12 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
John, As you are collecting parts, think about getting a front spring spreader. Unless you know someone who has one. Not too expensive and makes the job much easier and safer,
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07-01-2018, 06:18 AM | #13 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
Looking at the top of the shackle it looks like your perch is probably worn beyond rebushing.
With good bushings and bolts in the perch and spring, the shackle will not allow the spring to touch the axel even with the shackle in a vertical position so the spring, even though bad, has nothing to do with touching the axel. John Last edited by aermotor; 07-01-2018 at 09:33 AM. Reason: added statement |
07-01-2018, 07:01 AM | #14 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
I agree with aermotor. yes, your spring looks bad. Also your spring perch and shackles look worn. The shocks are doing nothing because the axle isn't moving.
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07-01-2018, 01:55 PM | #15 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
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Last edited by Benson; 08-07-2018 at 10:40 PM. |
07-01-2018, 02:19 PM | #16 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
For a little extra cushion I use a leather pad between the spring and crossmember. I punch a hole for the bolt head.
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07-02-2018, 06:51 AM | #17 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Wisconsin
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
I'll see what the perches look like after I get things apart. If I have to replace the perches, this will be a lot bigger project than I bargained for!
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07-02-2018, 07:07 AM | #18 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
]I'll see what the perches look like after I get things apart. If I have to replace the perches, this will be a lot bigger project than I bargained for![/QUOTE
Ain't they all? Enjoy the adventure, Chap |
07-02-2018, 07:12 AM | #19 | |
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Location: Connecticut Shoreline
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
Quote:
If you have to replace the perches. I would drop the front end from car and completely tear it down. I would question the condition of other parts given what can be seen in picture. |
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07-02-2018, 09:36 AM | #20 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
WHN is giving good advice
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07-02-2018, 09:58 AM | #21 |
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Location: Cincinnati OH
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
Over this past winter I replaced my front and rear springs with new ones from:
http://www.a-springs.com/products.html When I received them, I took them apart and coated them with Slip-Plate. https://www.amazon.com/SLIP-Plate-No...rds=slip+plate At the same time I sent all four shocks out to John Holland to be rebuilt. Everything is installed and amazing. I would highly recommend http://www.a-springs.com/products.html and John Holland for rebuilt shocks.
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07-02-2018, 10:55 AM | #22 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
As a kid I had oval perches on an A. I installed round steel bushings and filled any void with JB Weld. It might not pass judging but was a permanent fix.
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08-07-2018, 07:56 PM | #23 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice - updated
I thought I would follow up to let everyone know that I have the new spring in, new shackles and bushings, and new shocks on, and it rides MUCH better than before!! I will attach a few pictures. A few thoughts and info:
1. The old spring had 9 leaves, the new one (from Snyders) has 10. Does anyone know why the old one only had 9?? 2. My car has the modern shocks - the old u-bolt on the axle on the one side had too much thread on the shock side and it bashed a hole in the shock, so one of the original shocks was completely frozen! I'm sure this contributed to the harsh ride... 3. I beefed up the shock mount clamp on the bottom. Rather than using the small cheap u-bolts, I made a plate and then used grade 8 bolts. 4. The tube shocks are Monroe #5829 - spec'd for a 1978 Plymouth Volare . Don't ask me why but they seem to be the right size...first time I ever ordered parts for a Plymouth, LOL Anyway, I think the project was a success. Someday when I'm rich I'll consider an original shock set up. Thanks again for all of your help! Last edited by Johns30; 08-07-2018 at 08:05 PM. |
08-07-2018, 08:01 PM | #24 | |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice - updated
Quote:
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08-07-2018, 09:35 PM | #25 | |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice - updated
Quote:
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08-08-2018, 06:21 AM | #26 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice - updated
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09-16-2018, 12:21 AM | #27 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
My 1930 Fordor has a extra Leif in the front spring . Maybe because it was sold where there was dirt roads
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09-16-2018, 12:21 PM | #28 |
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Re: Front spring replacement advice
Mine has 11 leaves as well. I was told that it was done to reinforce a tired original spring. It seems to do the job - the ride is firm and the car sits at the correct height.
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