front spring

shark 81

shark 81

Member
last week I wrote about my A's tie rod rubbing and you guys were right it is a spring issue. It seams that the center bolt is gone and the leafs have moved around a bit.
my plan is to
jack up the frame undo the four U bolts
lower the axle and springs remove shackles
line up springs replace square center bolt
lube and reinstall .
am I missing anything ?
 

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YES the immediate safety needed to do this, YOU MUST use a spring spreader and C-Clamps...this is very dangerous the way you are making it out..BE VERY VERY careful
 
Yes As Mark said, Mod A springs are very dangerous. I the 90 years since there ModA was produced, I'm sure that someone, somewhere has been killed by one. I know that some have been injured and quite a few more have had close calls, yours truly for one. There is a lot of tension in that spring! Please, study the equipment and methods before trying this job. There must be a Mod.A club in the area with someone who can help you.
Terry
 
I miss wrote I should have wrote (spring clips) not shackles. I plan to leave the shackles and axle intact. that way I should not need a spreader ? and yes the tie rod is still bent.
 
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to properly repair this there is one of two things:

A: Buy a replacement spring install and be done as i dont think yours is a ford spring anyways

B Remove spring from axle, remove the bushings in each end as Im sure they are shot as well, sandblast the rust and gunk off each leaf, grind the inevitable groove worn into the top of each leaf, taper ends of each leaf to prevent them from making a new groove, have them all arched that will only last a short while till they sag again, press in and possibly ream new bushings, prep for paint, paint, let it fully dry, lube with dry graphite or graphite paint as you reassemble, tighten up with new tie bolt, cut excess threads off and peen over the little bit sticking out, attach your clamps which will now be too "long" as your leafs have worn thinner so make spacers that the bolts slip through to keep them snug. after all that borrow or buy a spring spreader then reinstall it but right before you do lube the very top plate with your graphite.

I'd go option A and order a new tie rod to go with it....

you will need a spring spreader - if you dont your leafs are too flat and are shot hence why i mentioned above to have them re arched but that doesnt last in the long run.
 
If you can afford, buy a good new spring. If your going to have this car any length of time, it will be worth every penny spent. Rebuilt front end, new springs and shocks, make all the difference in ride and handling. A well done Model A drives great.
 
The front spring is not lethal. There is little on no tension when it is installed. A front spring spreader makes installation and removal easier, but is not absolutely necessary.

From the photos it appears your front spring has been molested. The leaf stack is not correct. That may be your problem. You need to obtain a correct front spring.

Tom Endy
 
It is possible to fit the front sprig without a spreader. Use the weight of the car and some blocks of wood under the end of the spring to flatten it till the shackle pin can be put in. That said, a spreader is easier but just another tool you're not likely to ever need again. Maybe you could borrow one.
 
Do yourself a favor and find a Napa store and buy some Sliplate. It is either in spray or quart cans. Paint the springs with this graphite impregnated paint and you will narry hear a squeak.
 

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I agree with others, the spring is an aftermarket spring and may have problems other than the broken center bolt. I would replace it if it was on my car. The front spring is not very dangerous like the rear spring is.
Rusty Nelson
 
If you have Les Andrew's book he explains how to remove the front spring..no need for any special tools..

Here is a picture of the same area on my pickup. You can see how the leaves are arranged. This is a replacement spring...
 

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Your leafs have really shifted. I doubt you will be able to align them in the car to get that center bolt back in. Easy way to do it, remove it, lay it out on bench or table on it's side, get the center bolt back in then reinstall it. There is no tension to speak of on the front spring. I just did this on mine a month ago.

Piece of Cake, Slice of Pie, Glass of Milk.
 
TinCup said:
Do yourself a favor and find a Napa store and buy some Sliplate. It is either in spray or quart cans. Paint the springs with this graphite impregnated paint and you will narry hear a squeak.
Click to expand...


I wouldn't advise this unless shocks are going to be installed

If you don't have shocks a good dry rusty spring works better----if you do have properly working shocks a well lubed spring is best

The friction of the dry spring dampens movement---though it doesn't help the ride
 
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