2 different springs

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2018: 2 different springs
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By vincent bassani Califon, NJ on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 02:03 pm:

I ordered a new rear leafspring for my 1926 coupe. According to Snyders the one I need is a nine leaf spring. I removed the one that is in my car now today only to find that it is an eight leaf spring. Is it a big deal if I put the nine leafspring in?, Especially since I would hate to have to pay the shipping to return the one I already bought. Which one is the correct spring ?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joe Andulics on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 02:16 pm:

From the Model T Encyclopedia:

1926-1927
FRONT: New 8-leaf spring used on all cars.

REAR: 8-leaf spring for all cars except the Sedans that used a 9-leaf, both the same as used in 1925. The 6-leaf was discontinued.

From T-Springs.Com

Rear "T" SPRING - 9 leaf "clip leaf" for 1926-1927 Cars.

Sorry just adds to the confusion?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By vincent bassani Califon, NJ on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 03:35 pm:

so do you think it is a major difference to put the 9 spring in since i already own it ?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joe Andulics on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 03:53 pm:

There may be a difference between the spring clamp (U bolt) between the 8 and 9 leaf spring.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/708324/815880.html?1512837540


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By vincent bassani Califon, NJ on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 03:57 pm:

what if i took the top one off ?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 04:49 pm:

Taking the top one off will likely work - that's how I reduced my eight leaf spring to a seven leaf for my light pickup. Remember to use the rubber or leather isolation between the spring and the frame.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By vincent bassani Califon, NJ on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 05:03 pm:

3 different suppliers, snyder,mac and lang all say 9 leaf is correct so i'm going to try it. i'll let you know how it fits


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joe Andulics on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 06:45 pm:

why are you replacing the spring?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jason Given - St. Paul, MN on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 06:50 pm:

Interesting conversation. I pulled my rear axle the other day. I have a 9 leaf, under my roadster. I do not know if it is the original assembly or not. Rides fine. It did not have a leather or rubber pad. I did not notice any wear issues.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kevin Whelihan Danbury, WI on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 06:53 pm:

Its not uncommon come across cars either repaired or assembled during the "restoration" process that used spare parts either laying around or were more readily available than the originals. When rebuilding the front end of my '26 Touring I noticed that front spring looked kinda odd. Sure enough someone added another short spring leaf to give correct 8 leaf configuration. By the looks of it, someone took and earlier spring and "modified" it because it had a lot more arch than the correct 8 leaf spring which is kinda flat in appearance. So, don't be surprised if you see a few other parts that don't necessarily belong in your Improved car. Comes with the territory.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Gregush Portland Oregon on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - 07:13 pm:

If you want odd; the front spring on the 25 that I am working on is Model A (not first time I have run into this, the Silver Streak is the same way) and a Model T spring, second up from the bottom, was added to the top. (The Silver Streak just had the Model A spring)

I suggest before installing the new spring, take it apart anyway and lube between the leafs. They are shipped dry.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By vincent bassani Califon, NJ on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 07:27 am:

I am replacing the spring because ever since I have owned the car it has leaned to the left. The front spring seems to be in good shape so I determined it had to be the rear. I think I was right. As I lay the old spring on top of the new you can see how much more fatigued the left side of it is than the right. We shall see once I put it on


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 07:58 am:

It's not necessary to buy a new spring if the old one is bent or out of shape - they can be bent back cold. If you have a hydraulic press in the shop, not much work is needed, while it may take some time adjusting each leaf in several positions while also checking the fit towards the other leafs. I lowered both my front and rear springs by bending each leaf small amounts in several positions in a sturdy vice with an exhaust pipe as a lever. Had to stand on the work bench for the rear, so doing it in a press would have been less work :-)

Just remember to never try bending a leaf over the center hole - it'll break :-(

You'll want the leather or rubber insert between the spring and the frame - there's a risk the spring will break without it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donnie Brown North Central Arkansas on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 08:44 am:

Here is a link to the study of the 26-27 Improved Models springs.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/480262.html?1411857354

It may have some info that will help.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Smith, Lomita, California on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 09:51 am:

First of all, don't pay attention to any dealers except Langs. Second, your coupe takes an 8 leaf rear spring. I own a '25 pickup which takes a 9 leaf rear spring. Going over railroad tracks nearly throws me into the top if I'm not careful! There is probably nothing wrong with your rear spring in the first place. It probably wasn't tightened up properly. Make sure you use a leather pad too.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Adam Doleshal on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 10:20 am:

From Bruce M’s encyclopedia:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By vincent bassani Califon, NJ on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 10:20 am:

so should i take the top leaf off ?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joe Andulics on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 10:52 am:

Below is a link to a discussion about the use of the leather spring pad. Also not sure what style center bolt the "new" spring has, but it's important that it extend into the square hole in the rear cross member. If not the spring has the potential to move side to side, causing the car to lean. Just my humble opinion. Good luck



http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/433342.html?1395933430


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By vincent bassani Califon, NJ on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 08:07 pm:

The old spring I removed had no leather or rubber pad at all, metal on metal. I've decided to go with the rubber instead of the leather and I will be removing one leaf to bring it down to eight. Tomorrow I will disassemble the spring and give it a Thin coat of grease in between each leaf. Once again thanks to everyone for all of the information.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Jablonski on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 08:45 pm:

Vincent:

Instead of grease, used product called "Slip Plate"
a suspension of a liquid lubricant with graphite that is applied, after thorough mixing, by brush... after the liquid portion evaporates the graphite will work into the metal spring......no squeaks, will last longer than grease alone.

Just my experience....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Jablonski on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - 08:48 pm:

Your leaning "coupe" probably was caused by the center spring bolt head not in the recess on the crossmember.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Thursday, February 22, 2018 - 09:55 am:

Bob's Auto Parts in Love's Park, IL makes a nice repro of the tall-head spring bolt. I looked for it on his website just now but it doesn't show them there. Best to call them at (815) 633-7244.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Thursday, February 22, 2018 - 10:03 am:

And BTW, My Pickup (see profile) was ordered as a Commercial Chassis when new and was fitted with an aftermarket wooden truck body. (I've since swapped the body.) The chassis has a 9-leaf rear spring. I used dry graphite spray (like "Slip-Plate") on the leaves when restoring them, and the little pickup has a nice smooth ride. I would think you'd be fine with a 9-leaf under your much heavier Coupe. But I would recommend that you use dry graphite spray and replace the tie bolt with one from Bob's.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Smith, Lomita, California on Thursday, February 22, 2018 - 10:04 am:

Ford didn't use the tall rear spring bolt up to the end. I don't know when it was changed, but it was. I personally like the tall head, and have some spares for my own cars. I wouldn't use a rubber pad either. I doubt if it would last as long as the leather ones do.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Thursday, February 22, 2018 - 07:40 pm:

"I personally like the tall head, and have some spares for my own cars. I wouldn't use a rubber pad either. I doubt if it would last as long as the leather ones do."

Agreed.


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