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Old 08-24-2022, 04:56 PM   #1
Laredo
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Default Import vs USA springs

Since all the vendors, including A-Springs and Eaton Detroit Spring, are out of stock of the USA-made springs, all that's currently available are the import springs. Are there any specific problems I would encounter by using an import front spring vs a USA one?
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Old 08-24-2022, 07:46 PM   #2
duke36
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Default Re: Import vs USA springs

Perhaps ask the vendors for measurements, eye to eye centers, height as shown in various publications, width to fit inside cross members, etc. Most of the offerings usually need the ends beveled to prevent gouging the leaves. Some may make the car sit too high, etc.
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Old 08-24-2022, 07:54 PM   #3
rotorwrench
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Default Re: Import vs USA springs

What I've seen and things to compare is the quality of finish work and the way the spring leaf ends are finished out. It's what you can't see that makes me hesitate and that's the spring profile and bend rate. The prices are low but quality is a big???? Maybe someone who has tried them will come along with more to say.
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Old 08-24-2022, 08:03 PM   #4
Laredo
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Default Re: Import vs USA springs

I may just have to wait (hard for an impatient person!) for Eaton to make one. They told me their lead time would be a minimum of 4 weeks. They supposedly build from the original specs (except for the differing thicknesses of each leaf, but apparently not one does that like the factory did).
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Old 08-24-2022, 08:07 PM   #5
duke36
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Default Re: Import vs USA springs

Ditto to rotorwrench comments; may want to check w/ C W Moss parts in S. Ca. Their springs profiles look similar to originals in the catalogue.
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Old 08-25-2022, 06:00 AM   #6
jb-ob
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Default Re: Import vs USA springs

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Laredo,

In direct answer might be to have your original front re-arched at a competent spring shop. Interestingly the ancient blacksmith who re-arched the front wouldn't touch the rear "camel back" as he thought they never needed adjustment.
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Old 08-25-2022, 06:07 AM   #7
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: Import vs USA springs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Laredo View Post
I may just have to wait (hard for an impatient person!) for Eaton to make one. They told me their lead time would be a minimum of 4 weeks. They supposedly build from the original specs (except for the differing thicknesses of each leaf, but apparently not one does that like the factory did).
I have not found a repro spring that matches the factory radius' either. I used the factory print and we made our own sweeps to measure & recontour them to.


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