Rear buddy spring on a model A

I have a 1929 model A roadster I have had it for a while .It has a 9.3 olds/pont rear.It rides hard the shackles and spring are up against the rear end instead of 45 degree. I went to check the spring leaves to see how many are there. There are only one.When I put the car on jack stands and put a jack under the rear I can get the spring shackles to a 45 degree position.I took the spring out it measures 42 1/2 inches with the spring perches at 48. Information I have foundinformation that said take spring width add 5 inches to it and set the perches which is real close to what I have.I think the single stock leaf is to soft. I have a extra front leaf spring complete can I use leafs off of to try or do anyone have a different Idea?
Thank You



spring 42 1/2 + 5 =47 1/2 mounts on rear End 48 inches

The original spring is NOT a single leaf! I've got an original in the shop right now, and it has to be 5 or 6 leaves thick.. I can snap a pic if you want to see an original setup. In fact I'm going to replace it and have the new unit on the floor waiting for me.

heres a picture of a correct setup
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...k/P1010751.jpg

front spring is completely different.
you call it a buddy spring,do you have coilovers as well in there or some other suspension??
some pictures would help clarify the problem.

.

Sorry buggy spring,I know the single leaf is not correct and that the front spring is different My question is the spring mounting looks to be correct.Is the spring just to soft.I wanted to know if leafs from the front spring can be used on the rear to stiffen it up to see if this fixes the problem. There are no other suspension. The suspension is out of the car.I can post pictures of the parts.How do I post pictures on this site?Thanks for the replies

As for pictures, the options are pretty clearly spelled out here - http://www.clubhotrod.com/shop-talk/...es-thread.html

On your spring you need the added leaves with the proper arch and length to learn anything of value. Using front spring leaves won't work right. A good spring shop, like the ones that work on big trucks, can re-arch and re-temper your spring to get it back in shape, or for $100 plus the ride you can get a brand new one - High Arch Transverse Rear Leaf Spring, 39 Inch - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

My question is what is the correct spring width? I can't have one made or buy one until I know the length.My spring perch is 48 inches. 48-5=43 inches so is the formula correct? I need a 43 inch spring?

Thank you for replies,I know spring shops ,speedway and some others,but I have to give them length on what I want.

After looking at pictures,the spring doesn't have a high arch to it,so I suspect it to be something different,possible a 40 spring.Can someone post dimensions of a 40 spring? Thank you

Any Help out there guys?**):

I can't get you the measures on a 40 spring... but I believe Sharpmark has shown what I wanted to. I've got nothing for you.. sorry! maybe someone else has something to offer?

Maybe Ryan will see this and reply with a measurement off of his '40 sedan. Or you could call the guys at Eaton? Link - Eaton Detroit Spring Tech Questions The FAQ's on their website provide a ton of good information.

Thanks Sparkman:) for the picture,that is not the spring on my car.So I assume my spring is from a 40 ford.It is much flatter.I will post a picture later.

Sorry ,it should be Sharpmark

40 ford springs on the rear are quite common so you may have one of those.if another website (hamb) wasn't off line i could go into mysaved stuff and get you the measurements you need to know.
look forward too seeing some photo's

.

Now this is a Posie's spring for '37 to '40, not OEM but I would think it would be the same dimension other than the 2.5" drop built in - Garage Sale - Posies Super Slide Spring, 1937-40 Ford Rear Leaf Spring, 2-1/2 Inch Drop - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

I made up a spring to try but I can't get it in the car,I took it apart but can't assemble it in the car.I tried using my port a power but it won.t clear the rear end.I couldn't borrow a spring spreader.Any help?
I am also on the Hamb but they have been down for a few days.Thanks

Any tricks to installing a buggy spring with the rear end in the car,I haven't located a spring spreader,my porta power won't clear the rear end,not enough room to take spring apart and assemble in the car.I borrowed a friction jack and will try that next.Thanks

There is a tool that latches onto the spring so a porta power can spread it safely. I don't know of any other way, I am sure there is.. I just don't know how others do it safely.

I've seen this tool referenced on several forums where the question comes up from time to time. I've never used one, and don't own one. Just passing on info - Deluxe Rear Spring Spreader

I'd probably go looking for a large turnbuckle, weld up some ends to grab the spring while leaving access to the spring eyes, mess with it all day with parts flying all over the shop before ordering the tool.:HMMM::LOL:

Google Images for Leaf Spring Spreader Tool - https://www.google.com/search?q=leaf...o&ved=0CEsQsAQ

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 34_40

There is a tool that latches onto the spring so a porta power can spread it safely. I don't know of any other way, I am sure there is.. I just don't know how others do it safely.

---

Do you know the company that makes the tool that attaches to the porta power?

Sorry no.. I'll check with a friend and see if he knows or see if I can't get a name

It's kind of a shade tree method, but how about putting a pair of big C-clamps on either side of the center bolt, remove it and replace with a piece of all thread rod, or better yet a long, Grade 8 bolt with a full depth nut on the bottom. Loosen the C-clamps, then use the nut to release the tension on the spring. Once slack you will be able to spread the main leaf by hand, or with a little assistance from a ratchet strap or lever. With the main leaf in the shackles re-tighten the nut on the long bolt, replace the C-clamps securely on both sides of the bolt and remove the long bolt to replace the original center spring bolt and you're done.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rspears

It's kind of a shade tree method, but how about putting a pair of big C-clamps on either side of the center bolt, remove it and replace with a piece of all thread rod, or better yet a long, Grade 8 bolt with a full depth nut on the bottom. Loosen the C-clamps, then use the nut to release the tension on the spring. Once slack you will be able to spread the main leaf by hand, or with a little assistance from a ratchet strap or lever. With the main leaf in the shackles re-tighten the nut on the long bolt, replace the C-clamps securely on both sides of the bolt and remove the long bolt to replace the original center spring bolt and you're done.

---

Thanks,
there is not enough room under the car to do this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SDLuck

Thanks, there is not enough room under the car to do this.

---

Oh well, I figured you'd have to drop the spring out of the cross-member and let everything drop down to get room, but it was a stretch anyway.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rspears

Oh well, I figured you'd have to drop the spring out of the cross-member and let everything drop down to get room, but it was a stretch anyway.

---

If i remove the rear end from the car that might work.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SDLuck

If i remove the rear end from the car that might work.

---

Yes I can do that,but I am try to get a rough Idea on how many leafs to start with?