The Ford Barn

jjk · 09-22-2023, 07:41 AM

So, I've been trying to hunt a T spring locally and came up on a 6 leaf from a buddy's farm stash. Light googling and I figure this is a 23-25 unit used on 'RUNABOUTS' those few years. I know I'll need a spacer to locate and center the leaf in the crossmember, but will a 6-pack spring lower the car too much? So many mixed reviews online.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 09-22-2023, 09:28 AM

I am not sure what you are asking. Using any of the Model-T rear springs will lower a Model-A because the eye-to-eye dimension on a T spring is narrower. When the T spring is stretched to the Model-A perch width, that is what lowers it.

As far as a T Runabout spring being adequate, we probably first need to know what Model-A body you are installing this under. The only other comment that I can tell you is the spring's tie-bolt will locate the spring, and the perches keep it from rotating. I generally had to add weld as a filler to the spring clip bars because the T spring pack will be shorter. Once the spring clip bars are firmly tightened in the crossmember, my experiences is they don't move.

jjk · 09-22-2023, 10:20 AM

So, this spring is going into a 29 coupe. I understand that the model A spring is wider than the T and will need to be spaced correctly. With only 6 leaf's will the car sit too low and create bottoming out?

J Franklin · 09-22-2023, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjk

With only 6 leaf's will the car sit too low and create bottoming out?

I think being too low is subjective at best, so you should give it a try and see what you think. Don't be hitting to large a pot hole or speedbump.

Tim Ayers · 09-22-2023, 11:07 AM

A simple cheat for this is to replace the very top leaf or the top two leaves from a Model A spring and use them on T spring to locate the T spring in the wider Model A crossmember. Six leaves may be pretty light under a sedan.

Herb Concord Ca · 09-22-2023, 12:50 PM

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Following Jim B. advice, I used a Model T spring to lower my 31 Roadster P/U. Lowered it about 2+" measuring top of rear tire to edge of rear fender. Worked for me!

09-22-2023, 09:28 AM	#2
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,578	Re: Model T rear spring I am not sure what you are asking. Using any of the Model-T rear springs will lower a Model-A because the eye-to-eye dimension on a T spring is narrower. When the T spring is stretched to the Model-A perch width, that is what lowers it. As far as a T Runabout spring being adequate, we probably first need to know what Model-A body you are installing this under. The only other comment that I can tell you is the spring's tie-bolt will locate the spring, and the perches keep it from rotating. I generally had to add weld as a filler to the spring clip bars because the T spring pack will be shorter. Once the spring clip bars are firmly tightened in the crossmember, my experiences is they don't move. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

09-22-2023, 10:20 AM	#3
jjk Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ATX Posts: 92	Re: Model T rear spring So, this spring is going into a 29 coupe. I understand that the model A spring is wider than the T and will need to be spaced correctly. With only 6 leaf's will the car sit too low and create bottoming out?

09-22-2023, 11:07 AM	#5
Tim Ayers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 6,281	Re: Model T rear spring A simple cheat for this is to replace the very top leaf or the top two leaves from a Model A spring and use them on T spring to locate the T spring in the wider Model A crossmember. Six leaves may be pretty light under a sedan.

09-22-2023, 12:50 PM	#6
Herb Concord Ca Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Concord CA Posts: 654	Re: Model T rear spring Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Following Jim B. advice, I used a Model T spring to lower my 31 Roadster P/U. Lowered it about 2+" measuring top of rear tire to edge of rear fender. Worked for me!