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Leaf Spring Problem.

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1973purplemidget

1973purplemidget

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My right rear leaf spring on my 73 Midget sometimes rub against my tire. The clearance on both tire are less than a quarter inch. Any clue why? Could it be the springs are just too old? I do not think they were ever replaced. I replaced all the bushings to no avail. The wheels are stock and the tires are standard 145s X 13. I should not admit this but as temp cure I added washers to the lug nuts between the wheel and the brake drums. This can’t be a good idea. Any help to fix would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
You're sure the wheels are stock?
 
Yup, wheels are stock. They are the rosette kind, with rust spots and all. Tires on it were the original nonradial. Replased the tire uing the same deminsions. 145s are hard to find now. I was thinking about getting other wheels but if stock rubs wider wheels are sure to rub. The tires seem to rub on the clamps of the leaf spring - the clamps that tie togrther all the metal leafs.
 
Did the car by any chance have wire wheels on it at one time? I'm wondering if it has a wire wheel rear end in it. They are 1" narrower than a disc wheel axle, and could cause the problem.
Jeff
 
Hmm, do the clamp bolts need reversed??
 
The clamps that are rubbing have no bolts. Each spring I think have a couple clamps to hold the leafs together. How much clearance is normal for other midgets? The rear shackle (with bushing) is not perpendicular (90 degree) with the trunk floor. It’s not off much but could this be a problem? How would I get it straight? Could the U bolts holding the springs to the axle could be a problem? I thought maybe they were too far out toward the wheel, but they can’t go inward any further.
 
73, the rear shackle should not be perpendicular to the trunk floor. the springs are located to the axle so they only go on one way. would it be possible for you to get a measurment on the width of the rear axle? i would measure the clearance on mine for you but i have 175/70's on the rear of mine. how about a pic or two, of your wheels and your problem area?

mark
 
Thanks for getting back to me. Ok, I measure 41 inches from inside of wheel drum to inside to weel drum. I will try to attach a couple pictures of (i) left shackle (I could not get a good picture of right shackle becasue of exaust), (ii) right tire and leaf to show approximat gap, and (iii) right tire rub marks ( the inner ring).

Again, thanks for your help.
 

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Purple Midget, I just measured two of mine, and I've got 42" drum to drum. On the '72, I've got 175-70's on 5" wide wheels, and the closest I come to a spring is 3/8" at the rear side of the tire, next to a spring clamp. Never had any problem with tire rub.
The other one I measured was a '62, with no wheels on it right now. It runs on 21x8x 13" slicks.
I still think you've got a wire wheel rear under there.
Jeff
 
How can I tell if I got wire wheel axle? The one inch difference could be due to my inaccuracy in measuring. Presuming I do, what's the fix? Do they sell spacers?

Went out for another look see and its looks like my right leaf is not parallel to the tire. The right tire gap forward of the axle has about a ¾ gap between the leaf blade and the tire while the gap to the rear of the axle has about a ¼ gap. The leaf spring clamp reduces the gap which leads to rubbing against the tire (turns). The left tire gap is about ½ inch for both the forward portion and the rear portion.

I think I may break down and try new leaf springs and bushings. If its still a problem, I will get out the handy sledge hammer for some persuasion. (not really).

Thanks
 
i measured mine under the car and see the same numbers as Jeff said. then i measured the spare one with no guts that i have and b/plate to b/plate i measured 41 5/8.

while looking around under there i did notice that the left tire had visibly more clearance at the top inside of the wheel well. Mayby i better start cornering harder to the right....



mark
 
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