Re: Front Spring help needed

Posted by Larry Jenkins on March 09, 1997 at 14:26:59

In Reply to: Front Spring help needed
posted by Dave Rinearson on March 08, 1997 at 20:24:43

: would sure appreciate some expertise on front springs.I'm sure mine needs attention.The previous owner was convinced that the car steers hard because of spring problems and since the left front side is 1" lower than the right side, I'm sure something is not right.
: The spring that is in my car (29 tudor) has 11 leaves.Someone probably threw a helped in sometime or another.
: In looking through all of the information that I have available, I don't find specifications for the spring.Do we know what a good spring should measure?Should I take what I have to a good spring shop and have them rebuild it?Do they know what to do?What is re-arcing?
: I'd appreciate any help that some of you experts could lend.I'm not sure whether to look for a better original one, or a reproduction or have mine repaired.Thanks for your help.
: Dave Rinearson
Hi Dave..
The Model A front spring has 10 leaves and is 1 3/4" wide.It has a "free" length of 30 13/16" to 30 15/16".I would suggest you take the spring apart and grind a small radius on the underside of each end of the leaves, then file them smooth.This will help the leaves "slide" easier.During reassembly, you will have two options.One is to lubricate the leaves with a molydenum disulfate grease, like "Lubriplate" or two, use Teflon tape between the leaves.You can get this at Mac's Antique Auto Parts (1-800-777-0948) for $1.95 a roll.His part number is "Tape".Also when you mount the spring and if you are using the original type steel bushings and shackles, make sure you assemble the bushings with the seams horizontal to the inside. I never heard of a bad spring causing a Model A to steer hard, but maybe someone else has.As far as the difference in heighth from one side to the other, this too is a mystery to me other than having tight bushings due to lack of grease.I would be interested in hearing your solutions.

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