Front and rear spring differences.

T

Torchie

Senior Member
Hello all.
My question is this.
Does anyone know if there is any differences between a front spring pack and a rear spring pack for a 1941 Ford car? Length. Number of leaves. Anything.
When I see them in catalogs they seem to be the same. Plus they seem to list them as 41 - 48 and i always thought the 41 were more like the 37-41
I am looking at one for my 41 chassis and frankly I am not sure this guys knows what he's talking about but he claims it's a front. And I don't have a front one to compare it too.
Thanks as always for your responses.
Torchie.
 
I can go measure some lengths. The first check is the widths. A front would be 2" wide and a rear would be 2.25" wide.
 
I have a 41 ford sedan in my hot rod shop that I could measure for you if that would help. You can also text me at 2053683164 jerry
 
Andy said:
I can go measure some lengths. The first check is the widths. A front would be 2" wide and a rear would be 2.25" wide.
Click to expand...

Thank you Andy.
That tells me alot right there. I went out and measured my rear spring which I do have and as you said it would be. 2.25" wide.
I will check the width of this guys spring. Maybe he knows more than I have given him credit for. He just seemed a little vaque in his response in regards to my question of wether it was a front or rear spring.
So what is the length that I should be looking for as I would think that after so many years the spring may be dearched somewhat?
Torchie.
 
Torchie said:
Thank you Andy.
That tells me alot right there. I went out and measured my rear spring which I do have and as you said it would be. 2.25" wide.
I will check the width of this guys spring. Maybe he knows more than I have given him credit for. He just seemed a little vaque in his response in regards to my question of wether it was a front or rear spring.
So what is the length that I should be looking for as I would think that after so many years the spring may be dearched somewhat?
Torchie.
Click to expand...

You must measure along the bottom leaf, Eye to eye does not work as you surmise as the springs sag or could be rearched. I will measure one later for you.
 
I went and measured some in my stash. The rear I know came from a 40 or 41. It measures 45.5" C to C on the bottom.
I apparently have both early and late front springs. One style measured 41.25" and has 12 leaves. Another style measured 39.5" and has 10 leaves.
 
Measurements for 1939 rear spring leaf & 1941 rear spring leaf;
(both springs disassembled so measuring the under side surface from eye roll
to eye roll with a cloth seamstress tape)
1939=45 3/4"
1941=47"

Hope this helps
 
As has been stated previously, the center to center dimension means nothing.
The number of leaves varied according to the model, the year and of course the way the car was ordered. There were of course a "stock" number of leaves but just like today, heavier duty springs could have been ordered.
1941 was a very odd year for springs. The lengths were changed more than once during the model year. Later (42 - 48) saw the diameter of the perch pins change as well.
When I see dealers lump them in with 42 - 48 I kind of cringe.
 
As always thanks for the response gang. The measurements will be a great help.
And Kube you hit the nail on the head as far as 41's seem to go. I cringe as well.....
Early production vs late production hood hinges. 2 vs 3 piece front fenders.
Spring lengths,ect.
People seem to think that all the production changes were becase 1941 is considered a "Transition" year car. I wonder if Ford considered it a "Transition" year car as well. LOL
Thanks again.
Torchie.
 
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