New Eaton Spring or re-arch existing

SoCalCoupe

SoCalCoupe

Well-known member
I believe the front spring on my 41 coupe is shot. It's not only flat but arches ever so slightly backwards and needs to be fixed. I've heard two opinions from multiple sources.


1. Just have it re-arched, it's fairly common with commercial trucks
2. Buy a brand new one manufactured to original specs from Eaton.


Really interested in hearing what "the 'Barn" thinks.
 
I have read that 41 Fords are a bit different than others re: springs regarding angle of shackles. Read this:
https://www.independent.org/store/book.asp?id=90

Considering the amount of work it takes to install a spring I would go with a correct new spring. Call Eaton and get first hand, accurate info.
https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/application/ford-super-deluxe/

Also, call Posies. Posies and compare their info. with Eaton.

https://www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com/super_slide_springs/35_48_springs/

First, look for a NOS Ford made spring for your car.
Also, buy new shackles.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...t-spring-shackles-original-style-set.1044554/
 
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Eaton Detroit will give you a new spring and re-arching will give you a like new spring. Flip a coin. Of course rebuilding the original spring is dependent on its general condition.
 
take the spring to a reputable spring works, get them to strip it down and check each leaf it may not be worth repairing then get a quote to repair/remake [price a replacement spring so you know whats cost effective
 
I got new Eaton springs for my 41. Be aware that in 41 there were two front spring lengths - the shorter one like earlier years and the longer one like 42-48. I could not convince Eaton of this fact, and sure enough the front spring came too long so the shackles pointed outwards about 20 degrees. I ran it for a while but just a month ago had a semi-local spring shop shorten it (wish I had known about them before). Also, the center hole was off-center by a significant amount and the shop had to fix that.

The spec for 41 says the front shackles are to be vertical with the car's weight on them (rather than angled inward, because it has a stabilizer bar). The local shop really nailed it - they are dead vertical.

On the whole, a dissatisfying experience with Eaton. Oh, and it took them about 13 weeks from order to delivery. If there is a spring shop within driving distance, maybe check them out.
 
I bought a NOS front spring for my 37 pickup from Fred at Southside Obsolete. Reasonable cost and a perfect fit. See #7 above.
 
Chuck41 said:
......Also, the center hole was off-center by a significant amount and the shop had to fix that.......
On the whole, a dissatisfying experience with Eaton.......
Click to expand...


Thanks for replying, that certainly makes one stop and think. Re-arching is looking better in comparison.
 
SoCalCoupe said:
Thanks for replying, that certainly makes one stop and think. Re-arching is looking better in comparison.
Click to expand...

I have never witnessed a re-arching that was worth what was paid for it. Just a cheap way to temporary bandage an issue.

Eaton is good to work with. I have yet to have any issues with their springs.
Of course, NOS is the best without question.

Just like Eaton, I could not be convinced that there was a "short" and a "long" front spring in '41. For that I'd need some proof / documentation.

A new or NOS spring will bring back the handling characteristics that were designed into the car.
 
Kube said:
I have never witnessed a re-arching that was worth what was paid for it. Just a cheap way to temporary bandage an issue.
Click to expand...

I guess it is who does the work. I had very good luck doing my saggy '66 Mustang rears. I had them work them up so I had 1" over stock height at the bumper, and just a bit stiffer to aid cornering. Never lost anything while I owned the car.
 
Kube said:
Just like Eaton, I could not be convinced that there was a "short" and a "long" front spring in '41. For that I'd need some proof / documentation.
Click to expand...

Hard proof may be hard to come by...

drolston mentioned it in this thread (post #4):
https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=215641

A guy named Kube opined in this thread, which I would take as definitive :) (post #8):
https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145912

The 32-41 service handbook says loaded spring eye-to-eye is 41.8”, but my perch eye-to-eye is only 40.8” (like drolston's early 41), and since the shackles cannot be angled outward the service handbook might be listing only the longer version of the 41 spring.

Some spring suppliers group 41-48 together, some are clear to specify 42-48 only. Maybe this means that some are aware of the 41 differences, some are not.

The fact remains that the spring I got from Eaton was too long, even though I gave them exact eye-to-eye lengths, explained my belief about 41, and asked them to please make sure it was correct.
 
I have had lots of springs re-arch never had a problem
the spring heated re-arch then cooled in oil the same as a new spring
Go to a good shop
 
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