I probably already know the answer to this question, but thought I'd ask. Is this damage something that can be lived with or is it better to just replace?
That spring is in pretty rough shape. The thickness of that top leaf is definitely compromised.
I wouldn't run it.
Mine is much worse than that. If the bottom leaf is ok it should be just fine.
It isn't what you've showed that would condemn this spring. It's what you haven't shown. At the very minimum, it needs to be disassembled and checked for cracked leaves.
Be careful when you disassemble, as they may be rusted together and one or two may be fused together and release suddenly.
At the very least, this spring likely will not flex and function normally as is.
After disassembly and cleaning, any damaged leaves can be replaced with used ones on the cheap. Just advertise for the specific length leaf that you need and I bet you'll find one for about $5-7.
Mark Malone:
I con't believe you are serious, but if you are I will deliver a free good front spring to Washington if you can wait until July.
Mark, I'd take Dave up on the offer. There are too many used springs, not to mention repros, that are in better shape, out there to use. A person would have to be pretty desperate to use that spring. The spring on my Model T based trailer, is better than that one.
One good bump with that relic and you'll have two springs... guaranteed! Good springs aint that hard to find.
Please remember the 25-27 front springs are 8 leaf, and flatter than the seven leafs. I would definitely replace it, and don't forget the leather pad!
Looks pretty bad to me.
Dave's such a nice guy. I wished he lived closer to IL.
I'd have fun just pickin through his stash.
This is a great forum. Dave, I hope to be past the frame stage by July but I appreciate your offer. Clearly obvious that I am on a steep learning curve with this project. Thanks Everyone for your advice.
Mark, I post this for new T guys quite a bit, so it's your turn. The first Model T parts everybody should buy are these.
The T is not like other cars, and some things aren't obvious. Having the manual and the MTFCA books before you dive in can save you a lot of grief, hassle, and dough.
Check for cracks on each 1,and replace 1's that are rusted thru purty bad.
Springs can be had reasonable.Even tight as I am I have a couple extra sets I have gathered.
Thanks Steve. I 've got the service manual. It's already been helpful. Ordering the other four tonight.
Mark, I hope that spring did not come off your car. If it did, I would take a good look at the rest of the underside of the car. That is serious rust on the spring.
Mark I just replaced my front spring and it looked better than yours. It was bottoming out on the axle. We found the top leaf in two parts when we removed it. Springs are a safety item and not so terribly expensive to replace.
Mark, I echo what Willie said. If that front spring came with your car, it wouldn't surprise me if your front crossmember was rust pitted just as bad. It would have to been laying on the ground in soil, not rock, to have pitted that bad. I've seen parts dug up from creek beds that looked like that.
The first thing I thought of was the coolant chart Dan Treace posted some time ago about using Calcium Chloride for antifreeze. That looks like chloride corrosion from the radiator puking over.