Thread: coil overs instead of leaf spring on front of model A

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Mine is a '34, but the same mechanics apply. It's a full P&J chassis with the frame narrowed in front The first two pictures are during construction. The last two pictures are the final assembly. I had to change the shocks because first set were the wrong length.

You have to be really careful in choosing the shock length and spring weight. Although they are adjustable, there is a very narrow "sweet spot" where the weight is supported, the ride height is correct and the appropriate bounce and rebound are maintained.

Mine was particularly difficult because there is only one top and one bottom mount on each side. Simply moving the adjustable bottom spring retainer won't solve everything on a bad choice of length and spring weight. Adjusting spring length just affects too many variables.

My advice is to get the front of your car on scales to determine the weight supported by the front springs. Then you can work with spring rates, and shock lengths and shock bounce/rebound to get the appropriate distance between upper and lower mounts.

Also remember the appropriate locations to attach the Panhard bar. The attachment point on the frame and on the axle need to be the same height from the ground.

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