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Leaf spring length

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chapelfarmer

Freshman Member
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Has anyone experienced leaf springs too long? My new springs (bn4) flatten the shackles at the rear and accordingly offer zero bounce. Like an idiot I've discarded the old ones so I can't tell whether this was always the case but other cars I've looked at seem to settle with the shackles pretty much vertical. Mine are pretty much horizontal.......thanks. John
 
This sounds much the same as the new springs (from Moss) that I recently installed on the BN4. With the springs installed, the shackles are extended about as far to the rear as possible. The shackles are relatively short, at least when compared to those on many larger American cars. And the suspension design, with the axle above the frame also is somewhat uncommon. My biggest challenge involved pulling the axle and the springs together enough to install the U bolts. It will be some time before we have a chance to test the installation, seeing as the restoration is still far from complete.
 
Until I can find out what's wrong I'd rather not name the supplier but it wasn't Moss. I would advise blueskies to proceed with caution: if your springs stay like that (same position as mine) you'll have very little compression available (they can't spring when fully extended and hard against the shackles) - this makes the axle bottom connect with the top of the chassis rails when you go over any sort of bump and, if you're cornering, effectively rules out any chance at suspension, resulting very dangerous handling.....:concern:
I will update when I have a clearer idea of what's going on with my own car (sounds like you have plenty of time anyway!!)
 
I measured an old, probably original, spring center to center on the eyes - it's 35" straight across and 36" along the curvature.
It's probably original because it has zinc between the leaves.
 
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