03-11-2013, 07:12 PM | #1 |
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Softer ride
Can I get a softer ride in my Model A if I remove some of the leaves in the rear spring? The body is a wooden speedster body so the car is very light in the rear.
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03-11-2013, 07:41 PM | #2 |
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Re: Softer ride
Yes you can. Somewhere on the 'net someone has documented the available spring options for the Model A to include leaf lengths, thickness, numbers of leaves. I've checked Marco and Vince's site and neither of these have it.
IIRC, there are not that many combinations of leaves. Perhaps 10 of which all were used on the pickups and station wagons (and possibly other bodies) Perhaps as little as seven for roadsters. But Ford didn't make special leaves for special applications - he just used the 12 or so available leaves of current production and left out the one that he didn't want. The springs were a fairly engineered product. Most of the modern spring producers do NOT follow exactly Ford's blueprints instead producing springs with leaves all the same thickness and with no appreciable taper. They may look roughly like Ford springs, they may act similar to Ford springs, but they're not Ford springs. The difference is subtle, but there. I think it is DeAngelis' tome "The Model A Ford As Henry Built It" which gives some information on the springs. It is possible to go from a truck/station wagon spring to something of less capacity by leaving out leaves IIRC. Gosh I wish I could find that online information on springs for you... Joe K
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03-11-2013, 07:42 PM | #3 |
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Re: Softer ride
You should start with a roadster spring. I have run with as few as 4 leaves on a speedster and it was still more than stiff enough. You will need to weld some steel blocks into your spring clamps to make up the difference in stack height, or add some shortened leaves on the bottom so the stack will be thick enough for the clamps to clamp. You can remove leaves from the front also.
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03-11-2013, 07:59 PM | #4 |
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Re: Softer ride
Not to discredit Joe K, but I believe the roadster spring leaves were formed with quite a bit less arch than a sedan or PU. In other words, a 10-leaf spring with three leaves removed is still taller than a seven-leaf roadster spring. I believe MikesAfordable catalog shows all the relative specs and heights.
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03-11-2013, 08:07 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Softer ride
Quote:
I was surprised (and pleased) by the apparent economy of Ford in planning his spring options around a limited leaf variation. I have considered going to a lesser spring in my truck. WHEN do I really ever use it as a truck? And while not a jolt - it is stiff on the ride. I was also surprised by the differences in leaf thicknesses reported in the literature. My J.C. Whitney replacement spring leaves were all the same thickness and bread and butter by comparison. Joe K
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03-11-2013, 08:33 PM | #6 |
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Re: Softer ride
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03-11-2013, 11:13 PM | #7 |
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Re: Softer ride
Here is Marco's spring chart that he's posted several times over the years. I also copied the key to the chart, but I can't find it right now.
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03-11-2013, 11:28 PM | #8 |
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Re: Softer ride
Thank you Tom. This what I had hoped was posted at Marco's Barnyard - but alas.
Is there color code missing for the various spring applications? Oops. You mention a "key." Well, light green is likely the truck since it passes through all 10 leaf options. Joe K
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03-12-2013, 12:31 AM | #9 |
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Re: Softer ride
A, the blue one, goes thru 10 leaves as well................
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03-12-2013, 12:35 AM | #10 | |
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Re: Softer ride
Quote:
The light green goes through all the blue tint (heavy) cross sections. This what I mean about the Ford spring being an "engineered" product. Joe K
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03-12-2013, 12:51 AM | #11 |
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Re: Softer ride
I just finished looking through everything in my computor, and I must not have copied the key to Marco's spring chart.
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03-12-2013, 01:25 AM | #12 | |
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Re: Softer ride
Quote:
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03-12-2013, 06:05 AM | #13 |
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Re: Softer ride
I like the poise super slide springs.
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03-12-2013, 12:27 PM | #14 | |
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Re: Softer ride
Quote:
That being said, you might scale weigh the rear end of your speedster. Go to a reputable spring shop with your weight number. They have computer access or manuals with "ALL" vehicle spring specifications. They should be able to direct you to your goal.
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03-12-2013, 12:55 PM | #15 |
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Re: Softer ride
I think I'd also have working shocks. Could also decrease tire pressure a few pounds??
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03-12-2013, 01:06 PM | #16 |
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Re: Softer ride
You can also help the ride by tapering the bottoms of each leaf end and smoothing out any gouges on the top sides. Spray the bottom of each leaf with Slip-Plate. I am going to an 8 leaf on my Delivery, but have a 7 leaf set back incase I still think it is too stiff of a ride. Rod
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03-12-2013, 06:06 PM | #17 |
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Re: Softer ride
I did a search on the "Barn" site and found a post by Tom Wesenberg that had the chart "key"
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03-12-2013, 06:42 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Softer ride
Quote:
Joe K
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03-13-2013, 12:44 PM | #19 |
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Re: Softer ride
Hi Jim Huseby. I know you sent me a message however I have not figured out how to open it. My apologies! Thank you all for the information. This Sportster/Speedster actually belongs to a friend who does not feel as comfortable on a computer. I am going to try to include a photo however it may not work.
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03-13-2013, 12:54 PM | #20 |
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Re: Softer ride
This attachment is a picture of the Fisher Sportster/Speedster referred to in the softer ride thread Thanks everybody!
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