Lowering a Model A

S

Slantwindshield

Senior Member
I am building a speedster and need information about using a Model T rear spring to lower the back end. Can anyone please share info on how it is done? Thanks. Howard
 
I have one on my coupe. Remove two leaves (3rd largest and smallest leaf) and go. If you are flat track racing that speedster, it should be no problem. But the frame bottoms out going over rail road tracks or big bumps if you're driving around town
 
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The T spring is shorter and narrower. Being shorter it must stretch farther to connect with the shackles, which lowers the car. Use the A shackle kit and make spacers to compensate for the narrow spring, I think 2 each 1/8" spacers are needed. I did this on my wide bed many years ago and it works well.
 
drop axle and a T spring with a couple leaves taken out you end up with somthing like this
 

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Yes, you can use a Model T rear spring in an "A" to lower it. The Model T and Model A is the same center to center distance between the spring perches, 49-1/4". The Model A spring leafs are 2-1/4" wide while the Model T spring leaves are 2" wide. Use the top (short) "A" leaf for centering in the cross member, then the rest of the leaves the 2" leaves. A couple of 1/8" thick spacer washers on the shackel bolts will fill-in the 2-1/4" distance.

The number of leaves you use will depend on how low you want it to ride and the body style (weight). The problem with useing a reverse eye main leaf is that there is no way to use a conventional spring spreader, which could make spring installation dangerous. I know the above works well as I have done it. Good luck.
 
johnsor said:
Yes, you can use a Model T rear spring in an "A" to lower it. The Model T and Model A is the same center to center distance between the spring perches, 49-1/4". The Model A spring leafs are 2-1/4" wide while the Model T spring leaves are 2" wide. Use the top (short) "A" leaf for centering in the cross member, then the rest of the leaves the 2" leaves. A couple of 1/8" thick spacer washers on the shackel bolts will fill-in the 2-1/4" distance.

The number of leaves you use will depend on how low you want it to ride and the body style (weight). The problem with useing a reverse eye main leaf is that there is no way to use a conventional spring spreader, which could make spring installation dangerous. I know the above works well as I have done it. Good luck.
Click to expand...

I made an adapter to use a regular Model A spring spreader on a spring with reversed eyes. It really wasn't my idea either as somone several years ago posted pix of theirs on the Forum so I am sure there are many others using their spreaders too.

Also just a clarification, I believe the Model T rear axle perch eye-to-eye is something like 46¼ inches center-to-center, and really does not share the same measurement as the 'A'. This is probably just an oversight but didn't want someone to be mislead.
 
One time when building a speedster chassis I prove a 1937 front axle in my model A, the engine was at 4 inch at the floor.... to much low for me, later decide use the original front axle.
 
(i have height restrictions) So i thought i would revive this topic in order to find out whether or not lowering the car has any disadvantages that would likely be encountered?
Also do you have to use the A top leaf? Or can you use a pure T spring with the spacers alone?
Do the spacers have to be cut/shaped to fit the rear cross member exactly?
Does this spring change increase body roll?
Given that the springs are slightly different widths are there any tricks to making the shackles fit nicely? such as putting model A spring bushes in the T spring?
And one last thing, Is it worth it?
 
No one has commented on lowering the front of the car. How do you lower the front without increasing the caster and making hard steering. Modify the radius rods?
 
You can use a reverse eye spring in the front and take apart 1 or 2 leaves, easy way, you can use a model A axle dropped or the 32 to 34 axles using the long spring perch with mechanicals brakes. In the rear you can use a T spring approx. 1 inch lower and for more lowering you can cut the rear crossmember for a better fit...
 

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johnsor said:
Yes, you can use a Model T rear spring in an "A" to lower it. The Model T and Model A is the same center to center distance between the spring perches, 49-1/4". The Model A spring leafs are 2-1/4" wide while the Model T spring leaves are 2" wide. Use the top (short) "A" leaf for centering in the cross member, then the rest of the leaves the 2" leaves. A couple of 1/8" thick spacer washers on the shackel bolts will fill-in the 2-1/4" distance.

The number of leaves you use will depend on how low you want it to ride and the body style (weight). The problem with useing a reverse eye main leaf is that there is no way to use a conventional spring spreader, which could make spring installation dangerous. I know the above works well as I have done it. Good luck.
Click to expand...

You have to be inventive. I made this a few years ago. Still works today. Just my 2 1/2 cents.
 

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