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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / 46 coupe spring configuration

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Discussion Topic: 46 coupe spring configuration -- page: 1 2

Johns46coupe

09-24-2010 @ 12:00 PM

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Both the front and rear leaf springs on my car seem to be in an unusual configuration. The "normal" configuration is for the longest leaf (with eyes for the shackle) to be on the bottom and each leaf going up to the frame being shorter. On my car, the shortest two leaves are on the bottom (under the longest leaf). In this position they appear to act only as spacers for the u-bolts. My questions are:
Why would someone do this and what can I expect if I put them back on top?
Thanks in advance for any input!

John

supereal

09-24-2010 @ 12:31 PM

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I suspect that someone, some time, wanted to either lower the car a bit, or sought a softer ride, but didn't want to replace the center tie bolt or clamps. The main leaf goes on the bottom of the stack. You didn't mention how many leaves the springs have. The count varies with the type of vehicle, and it is possible the springs were replaced with the wrong ones. Anyone wishing to produce a slightly lower car should consider the "reverse eye" main leaves.

Johns46coupe

09-24-2010 @ 12:44 PM

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Thanks Super. There are 8 leaves total. The main leaf is not a reversed eye. Guess I'll put it back the way it's supposed to be.

Thanks again.

John

trjford8

09-24-2010 @ 7:28 PM

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Just for info the second leaf wraps around the ends of the main leaf. It acts as a safety leaf in the event the main leaf breaks. If I recall your front spring should have 11 or 12 leafs.

Johns46coupe

09-24-2010 @ 10:17 PM

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Thanks trjford8. Looks like both front & back should have 12 leaves. I have one through six and eleven and twelve on both front and rear. Prior owner must have really gone for a soft, low ride. Guess I'll have to find some leaves.
Thanks again.

John

42wagon

09-25-2010 @ 3:30 AM

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John
I would not fool around with a mixture of new and old or mixed old leaves. The reason being that they are not going to perform alike meaning that eventually you are going to have some broken spring leaves. If you can't find a pair of old springs contact Eaton Spring in Michigan. They have the original Ford specs and can make exact duplicate springs.
Ted

TomO

09-25-2010 @ 9:14 AM

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Mike Dennis in NE has some NOS springs and Baxter Ford in KS had some also.

Tom

supereal

09-25-2010 @ 10:10 AM

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The early 46's had the '42 springs of 11 leaves. This was later replaced with a 12 leaf spring, probably when the supply of the old style was used up. There are two problems with old springs. Many have lost their curvature, reducing strength. Others, perhaps all, have worn "pockets" where the ends of the leaves rest on the one below. The remedy, if you don't replace the whole assembly, is to have at least the main leave re curved, and to grind the pockets flat. In most cases, replacement is best, and not prohibitively expensive.

This message was edited by supereal on 9-25-10 @ 10:11 AM

37 Coupe

09-25-2010 @ 11:38 AM

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What is the width of the 1946 leafs? I have a few "loose leafs",some I think are NOS or at least not used very much,but they may be earlier like 37-41.

supereal

09-25-2010 @ 2:39 PM

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The early leaves, '28-'37 (60 hp) were 1 3/4. Beginning with the '37 85hp, the width for passenger cars thru '48 was 2". Truck springs were a bit wider, at 2.25".

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