Front spring u-bolt issue

Stingray70

Stingray70

Senior Member
I'm having an issue with my front spring u-bolts: When I bought the car there were 2 different length u-bolts in place. The longer one fit well and the cotter pin went in place with the nuts tight. The other was shorter and the nuts barely went on all the way. No way to use cotter pins on that one.

I just replaced the front spring on my late '30 Coupe with a new one from A-springs. I thought I would replace the u-bolts with new ones. Unfortunately after painting the new ones, I realized they are the same or possibly shorter than my existing short one. ¾" shorter than the long one.

The spring is great and fit perfectly. The center spring bolt head is seated flush with the hole in the cross member. The crank guide is correct and fits properly with the tab in the hole in the crossmember. The clip bar fits properly. The bottom spring leaf sits ⅛" below the lower edge of the crossmember. Even if it was flush, that wouldn't account for the extra u-bolt length I need.

Anybody seen this? Does someone have an original they can measure for me?
 
Stingray70 said:
I'm having an issue with my front spring u-bolts: When I bought the car there were 2 different length u-bolts in place. The longer one fit well and the cotter pin went in place with the nuts tight. The other was shorter and the nuts barely went on all the way. No way to use cotter pins on that one.

I just replaced the front spring on my late '30 Coupe with a new one from A-springs. I thought I would replace the u-bolts with new ones. Unfortunately after painting the new ones, I realized they are the same or possibly shorter than my existing short one. ¾" shorter than the long one.

The spring is great and fit perfectly. The center spring bolt head is seated flush with the hole in the cross member. The crank guide is correct and fits properly with the tab in the hole in the crossmember. The clip bar fits properly. The bottom spring leaf sits ⅛" below the lower edge of the crossmember. Even if it was flush, that wouldn't account for the extra u-bolt length I need.

Anybody seen this? Does someone have an original they can measure for me?
Click to expand...
did they both have holes on the old ones?Might check with the vendor you purchased to let them know!
 
Gary WA said:
did they both have holes on the old ones?Might check with the vendor you purchased to let them know!
Click to expand...

Both old ones are drilled for cotter pins as are the new ones. I can call the vendor on Monday but was hoping to have ideas before then.
 
I used the split lock washers. Much easier and secure. Unless you are getting judged the lock washers will work well.
 
Do you have the correct number of spring leaves Carpenters sell different sizes for the
eV-8. My 39 has had springs removed.
 
Clem Clement said:
Do you have the correct number of spring leaves Carpenters sell different sizes for the
eV-8. My 39 has had springs removed.
Click to expand...

The spring is made to the original blueprints. I believe "a-springs" are the best available? Like I said, the spring only protrudes 1/8" below the crossmember
 
Most U bolts seem to have cotter pin holes. Some get filed with goo or sheared off pins.

My '39 pickup has 9 rear springs vice 14 when new. Make a much nice ride. The split pins and lots of thread sticks out. I thunk I'd swap U bults but they don't come out past the pully. Lock washers don't leave enough grab threads.
 
I gave up for now and put the old mismatched u-bolts back in. The longer of the old ones measures 5", the other measures 4 3/4". The new replacements are only 4 1/2". I can't even get a lock washer on those.

Anybody know how long the originals are supposed to be?
 
My Aug. 1930 Cabriolet has round u-bolts and measure 41/2 inches with the 10 leaf front spring. If your front spring has anti squeak material between each leaf that will add thickness to the total height. Hope this helps solve the problem. LRF
 
Stingray70 said:
I gave up for now and put the old mismatched u-bolts back in. The longer of the old ones measures 5", the other measures 4 3/4". The new replacements are only 4 1/2". I can't even get a lock washer on those.
Click to expand...

I just went out and looked at my Town Sedan. I have a front spring from "A" Spring.

I can't measure the whole u-bolt, as they are in the car,, but mine measures ~5" from where they come thru the crossmember to the end of the u-bolt. I bought the u-bolts from Snyder's when I installed the spring. They are the round ones for the '30-31.

Also, I don't think you use lock washers on the nuts when using cotter pins.
 
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Thanks guys. I guess I will leave it for now and see if I can figure it out when I pull the front end apart to address the Wishbone ball.
 
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