springs riding on rear axle?

[LopezCarguy]

I just put Cabby up on lift and found the rear spring eyes have been riding on rear axle..even wore small round groove in spring eyes..looks like someone was hauling a ton in rumble seat...what would cause spring eye to touch axle?? Dick

[bobv]

Worn spring shackles.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Yep, worn spring hangers due to lack of grease. Usually you will also find the hub bearing race on the axle housing is worn too since both missed their "routine maintenance". When that race is worn, this affects braking quality on the rear brakes so log that one in to check on when the time comes.

[LopezCarguy]

Thanks for help, this is a body off restoration so all need to be repaired or replaced, this is original car never apart so lots of miles have been put on it would appear...Dick

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

We just weld up the "dipped area" and grind it smooth, then using a TIG welder we replace the welded seam across the top if it is there.

As for the hub race, using a micrometer, measure the race at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position and then measure at the 6 & 12 position and read the difference. If over .010, the you will need to machine the housings and install a new race. If not, this allows the drum's bearing to ride higher than the centerline of the brakes creating a mismatch between the shoe lining and the drum surface.

[LopezCarguy]

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Wow, thanks Brent, long time till I get to differential, but good info to save...I wondered if I couldn't just weld/fill area...do you think the heat would soften spring too much?? I can do a little at a time...

[Purdy Swoft]

Usually in cases like this, the spring is sagging. It is sometimes best to replace the spring.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by LopezCarguy

I just put Cabby up on lift and found the rear spring eyes have been riding on rear axle..even wore small round groove in spring eyes..looks like someone was hauling a ton in rumble seat...what would cause spring eye to touch axle?? Dick

Maybe this

[Ted Duke]

I'd take it! LOL

[Ted Duke]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Maybe this

I'd take it! LOL

Ted

[jhowes]

Does anyone have an opinion on re curving the springs as opposed to replacement and if so, how does the shop that re curves know the exact amount to bend the leaves
'

[1931 flamingo]

Some say that re-arched springs over time de-arch, for the price of a new spring I would replace or at the least have a new main leaf made. JMO
Paul in CT

[pat in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by jhowes

Does anyone have an opinion on re curving the springs as opposed to replacement and if so, how does the shop that re curves know the exact amount to bend the leaves
'

re arcing will work well if the springs are re tempered. Few shops temper the springs. So you end up re arcing a fatigued spring, which eventually sags back to its tired old position. The more fatigued the metal, the faster the spring returns to its sag.

Regarding how the shop knows what curve to place on the spring, shops used to keep templates of the correct arc for specific car springs.

If you can find a spring guy who understands all this, you could theoretically restore your original Ford spring.

[silversink]

Pat-- if this is right then reversed eye springs will eventually sag. Am I going to have to have the spring re tempered?

[pat in Santa Cruz]

Silversink

I would not know for certain. It depends on how you reversed the eye, and how fatigued the leaf was to begin with. I bet there's a lot of knowledge about this on the HAMB, or your local speed shop.

[Purdy Swoft]

I agree with Pat. I don't know about reversing the eyes. I cold rearched several front springs a few years ago. I consider it a waste of time. After about three years use the springs were sagging again. Considering shipping, both ways, it would probably cost more to have old springs properly rearched and tempered than a new replacement spring would cost.