The Ford Barn

SoCalCoupe · 12-02-2023, 11:26 AM

In another thread about front springs I've decided my front spring needs to be replaced. It has no arch and is so stiff its almost like the axle is bolted directly to the frame. Barring new information to the contrary, it makes sense to me go with a known good brand new Eaton spring made from the original drawings. It's not cheap but from the perspective of confidence and ride quality, seems worth it.

My rear spring does have some arch and is less stiff than the front. I'm going to disconnect it to install a Columbia this winter. I'd replace the spring while I'm at it if makes sense, but I don't know what to look at or test to make a decision.

Thoughts?

cmbrucew · 12-02-2023, 11:42 AM

A spring shop can re arch your spring and replace bushings. Ask a truck shop for a local spring shop.

Bruce

1942deluxe · 12-02-2023, 12:16 PM

Brad, check with Fred Wilner at Southside Obsolete if he has any NOS springs. For the rear the P/N is 11A-5560-A uncovered and 19A-5560-A for the one with the metal covers if I'm reading the parts book correctly. Both are 9 leaf springs. The front looks like it started as
a 11A-5310-A (10 leaf) which was replaced with a 19A-5310-A, which was replaced with a 19A-5310-C which has the metal cover. Both are 12 leaf springs. I just bought a NOS rear spring for my 48 business coupe. Shipping from Michigan to PA. was $71 FedEx. The P/N was stamped into the metal cover which helped. Not sure if the ones without covers have any markings. A good spring shop may be an easier answer though...

TJ · 12-02-2023, 12:49 PM

Before you decide to change springs have you checked to make sure your shocks are working correctly?

V8COOPMAN · 12-02-2023, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ

Before you decide to change springs have you checked to make sure your shocks are working correctly?

And we all know that shocks DO NOT support even one pound of weight, correct?

Coop

.

TJ · 12-02-2023, 01:56 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

And we all know that shocks DO NOT support even one pound of weight, correct?

Coop

.

I'm well aware of that, but the OP complained about his front spring giving a rough ride. Old frozen lever type shocks can inhibit the working of the spring. Maybe you have just been lucky and never encountered that situation.

RB · 12-02-2023, 02:32 PM

The n.o.s. springs will often times have a stenciled part number or a tag attached

SoCalCoupe · 12-02-2023, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ

Before you decide to change springs have you checked to make sure your shocks are working correctly?

Shocks work fine. Thought that was the problem at first so removed them and worked the arms back and forth. No binding, just the resistance you'd expect from a shock.

Kube · 12-02-2023, 05:21 PM

You will be amazed at the difference in ride and handling qualities once the springs have been replaced. I prefer NOS but you may have a tough time finding the "odd duck" '41 springs.
I am not a fan of re-arcing for a number of reasons.
Guys used to do that to save a few bucks. There was a term for that...

SoCalCoupe · 12-02-2023, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1942deluxe

Brad, check with Fred Wilner at Southside Obsolete if he has any NOS springs. For the rear the P/N is 11A-5560-A uncovered and 19A-5560-A for the one with the metal covers if I'm reading the parts book correctly. Both are 9 leaf springs. The front looks like it started as
a 11A-5310-A (10 leaf) which was replaced with a 19A-5310-A, which was replaced with a 19A-5310-C which has the metal cover. Both are 12 leaf springs. I just bought a NOS rear spring for my 48 business coupe. Shipping from Michigan to PA. was $71 FedEx. The P/N was stamped into the metal cover which helped. Not sure if the ones without covers have any markings. A good spring shop may be an easier answer though...

I'll call Fred Wilner at Southside on Monday. They're none on the website.

A website named littledearborn.com has some for $210. Anybody know anything about them?

Another website https://www.shocks2springs.com lists them, no price. Anybody know anything about them?

Kurt in NJ · 12-03-2023, 10:21 AM

The original spring had a lubrication fitting in the center bolt, and if covered on the cover, look like regular grease fittings but are for spring lubricant, a thin oil with talc and a dash of asbestos originally.
If regular grease was or is used the passageways will be clogged and not allowing proper flow ok lubricant
I wondered about the talc, upon research, talc is a dry lubricant and polishing agent, the oil was specified as “ice machine oil” So a 3/4 atf, 1/4 talc mix is close to ford spring lube.
Original spring will have a groove in the leaf almost to the tip as a lubrication passage, I doubt that replacement springs are made that way.

1942deluxe · 12-03-2023, 10:35 AM

Little Dearborn closed according to their Facebook page.

V8COOPMAN · 12-03-2023, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1942deluxe

Little Dearborn closed according to their Facebook page.

I THOUGHT that one of the former participants stepped-up and invested in at least a part of the stock to branch out on his own ..... just what I read on the interweb some time back.

Coop

.

Randy in ca · 12-03-2023, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1942deluxe

Little Dearborn closed according to their Facebook page.

-
If that's the case one would think that they'd at least take their webpage down to save anyone who doesn't use Facebook (there are lots) wasting a lot of time.

Ggmac · 12-04-2023, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

The original spring had a lubrication fitting in the center bolt, and if covered on the cover, look like regular grease fittings but are for spring lubricant, a thin oil with talc and a dash of asbestos originally.
If regular grease was or is used the passageways will be clogged and not allowing proper flow ok lubricant
I wondered about the talc, upon research, talc is a dry lubricant and polishing agent, the oil was specified as “ice machine oil” So a 3/4 atf, 1/4 talc mix is close to ford spring lube.
Original spring will have a groove in the leaf almost to the tip as a lubrication passage, I doubt that replacement springs are made that way.

Thank you for the chemical mix for the spring . I’ve wondered what could be used . Now for the job of lubing the springs , if the springs do not need to be disassembled and cleaned of old lube .

big job · 12-04-2023, 11:57 AM

Detroit Eaton they made my rear spring perfect exact they were-are the major spring supplier for all make cars trucks busses etc. well worth the $575 dollars

TJ · 12-04-2023, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalCoupe

Shocks work fine. Thought that was the problem at first so removed them and worked the arms back and forth. No binding, just the resistance you'd expect from a shock.

Thanks for the update on the shocks.

drolston · 12-05-2023, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ

Before you decide to change springs have you checked to make sure your shocks are working correctly?

Good point. The friction between leaves on stock springs provide some damping. After replacing the flattened stock spring on my '41 coupe with Posies "Super Slide" it was like driving a pogo stick. Had the shocks rebuilt and the ride and handling greatly improved.

Seth Swoboda · 12-05-2023, 04:24 PM

I have bought NOS springs from Southside Obsolete. They were wrapped and shipped to me with no problems.

Pete · 12-06-2023, 11:42 PM

If you can find an NOS spring and have good working original shocks, then you should have a close to original "ride" for your car.

When buying a new modern spring replica, ask the manufacturer if it has the exact same "compression rate" as the original.

If not, you most likely will not be satisfied with the ride.

12-02-2023, 11:26 AM	#1
SoCalCoupe Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Point Loma, San Diego, CA Posts: 424	New Rear Spring or not... In another thread about front springs I've decided my front spring needs to be replaced. It has no arch and is so stiff its almost like the axle is bolted directly to the frame. Barring new information to the contrary, it makes sense to me go with a known good brand new Eaton spring made from the original drawings. It's not cheap but from the perspective of confidence and ride quality, seems worth it. My rear spring does have some arch and is less stiff than the front. I'm going to disconnect it to install a Columbia this winter. I'd replace the spring while I'm at it if makes sense, but I don't know what to look at or test to make a decision. Thoughts? Last edited by SoCalCoupe; 12-02-2023 at 07:52 PM.

12-02-2023, 11:42 AM	#2
cmbrucew Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: North of sandy ago, CA. Posts: 2,064	Re: New Rear Spring or not... A spring shop can re arch your spring and replace bushings. Ask a truck shop for a local spring shop. Bruce __________________ Works good Lasts long time

12-02-2023, 12:16 PM	#3
1942deluxe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Albion, PA Posts: 713	Re: New Rear Spring or not... Brad, check with Fred Wilner at Southside Obsolete if he has any NOS springs. For the rear the P/N is 11A-5560-A uncovered and 19A-5560-A for the one with the metal covers if I'm reading the parts book correctly. Both are 9 leaf springs. The front looks like it started as a 11A-5310-A (10 leaf) which was replaced with a 19A-5310-A, which was replaced with a 19A-5310-C which has the metal cover. Both are 12 leaf springs. I just bought a NOS rear spring for my 48 business coupe. Shipping from Michigan to PA. was $71 FedEx. The P/N was stamped into the metal cover which helped. Not sure if the ones without covers have any markings. A good spring shop may be an easier answer though...

12-02-2023, 12:49 PM	#4
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	Re: New Rear Spring or not... Before you decide to change springs have you checked to make sure your shocks are working correctly?

12-02-2023, 02:32 PM	#7
RB Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: papillion nebraska Posts: 406	Re: New Rear Spring or not... The n.o.s. springs will often times have a stenciled part number or a tag attached

12-02-2023, 05:21 PM	#9
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,007	Re: New Rear Spring or not... You will be amazed at the difference in ride and handling qualities once the springs have been replaced. I prefer NOS but you may have a tough time finding the "odd duck" '41 springs. I am not a fan of re-arcing for a number of reasons. Guys used to do that to save a few bucks. There was a term for that... __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

12-03-2023, 10:21 AM	#11
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,159	Re: New Rear Spring or not... The original spring had a lubrication fitting in the center bolt, and if covered on the cover, look like regular grease fittings but are for spring lubricant, a thin oil with talc and a dash of asbestos originally. If regular grease was or is used the passageways will be clogged and not allowing proper flow ok lubricant I wondered about the talc, upon research, talc is a dry lubricant and polishing agent, the oil was specified as “ice machine oil” So a 3/4 atf, 1/4 talc mix is close to ford spring lube. Original spring will have a groove in the leaf almost to the tip as a lubrication passage, I doubt that replacement springs are made that way.

12-03-2023, 10:35 AM	#12
1942deluxe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Albion, PA Posts: 713	Re: New Rear Spring or not... Little Dearborn closed according to their Facebook page.

12-04-2023, 11:57 AM	#16
big job Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dighton, Mass Posts: 1,230	Re: New Rear Spring or not... Detroit Eaton they made my rear spring perfect exact they were-are the major spring supplier for all make cars trucks busses etc. well worth the $575 dollars

12-05-2023, 04:24 PM	#19
Seth Swoboda Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 3,795	Re: New Rear Spring or not... I have bought NOS springs from Southside Obsolete. They were wrapped and shipped to me with no problems.

12-06-2023, 11:42 PM	#20
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,409	Re: New Rear Spring or not... If you can find an NOS spring and have good working original shocks, then you should have a close to original "ride" for your car. When buying a new modern spring replica, ask the manufacturer if it has the exact same "compression rate" as the original. If not, you most likely will not be satisfied with the ride.