The Ford Barn

jkeesey · 09-22-2012, 04:08 PM

Alright guys looking for some opinions. My jalopy has a very very light body, were talking weighing almost nothing in the rear which also means a lot of bounce since the springs don't have much weight on them. What does everyone think would be the easiest way to soften the suspension? I was thinking possibly pull out every other leaf or so.

ctlikon0712 · 09-22-2012, 04:47 PM

Most RV type service centers can re-arch de-arch springs. I would keep the minimum # of springs Henry used for a PU and if that is too tight de-arch the springs and adjust the shock valving. JMHO

RcT · 09-22-2012, 04:49 PM

Try a couple of bags of sand first.

Rowdy · 09-22-2012, 05:40 PM

Look for a 7 leaf roadster spring. Most of us do not overload our pickups and such like they did in the day when these were used every day for hauling loads. Rod

SLPreston53 · 09-23-2012, 09:26 PM

A friend put "poly slide" between the leaves on each spring,and now he says the car "floats" with almost too soft a ride.

Patrick L. · 09-24-2012, 08:29 AM

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How many leaves are you now using ?? And, what shape are they in ?? If they have not been cleaned, ground smooth they can ride pretty hard.. I don't see a problem with reducing the number of leaves to 7 or 8 or so..

jackball · 09-24-2012, 09:03 AM

Which leaves do you remove? The long ones or the short ones?

Rowdy · 09-24-2012, 09:17 AM

Look at Marco's chart on this link. Rod

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ploded+drawing

jkeesey · 09-24-2012, 07:24 PM

I was told by an old race car buddy to pull every other leaf. My springs are in barn fresh quality. I know they are definitely too stiff being as I have about 10 pounds of weight over the rear axle and the chassis is from a Tudor.

Brian LI · 09-24-2012, 09:05 PM

Well, we'vbe built 2 cars that are VERY light in the rear as you say. We removed every other spring and ended up with 6 in the rear spring pack and I believe 7 in the front pack. We cleaned them up when we reassembled but we did NOT oil or lube them in any way. We also did not try and make them shiny and brand new looking. We merely cleaned off the surface rust, wiped down, inspected and reassembled. It's been 5 years on the blue car in my avatar and the ride is comfortable IMHO

09-22-2012, 04:08 PM	#1
jkeesey Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Glenmoore Pa Posts: 1,644	making softer suspension Alright guys looking for some opinions. My jalopy has a very very light body, were talking weighing almost nothing in the rear which also means a lot of bounce since the springs don't have much weight on them. What does everyone think would be the easiest way to soften the suspension? I was thinking possibly pull out every other leaf or so.

09-22-2012, 04:47 PM	#2
ctlikon0712 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cocoa, Florida Posts: 1,609	Re: making softer suspension Most RV type service centers can re-arch de-arch springs. I would keep the minimum # of springs Henry used for a PU and if that is too tight de-arch the springs and adjust the shock valving. JMHO __________________ Wanted: Simmons Super Power Head Craig Likon 1931 150B

09-22-2012, 04:49 PM	#3
RcT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 451	Re: making softer suspension Try a couple of bags of sand first.

09-22-2012, 05:40 PM	#4
Rowdy BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gothenburg Nebraska Just off I-80 Posts: 4,893	Re: making softer suspension Look for a 7 leaf roadster spring. Most of us do not overload our pickups and such like they did in the day when these were used every day for hauling loads. Rod __________________ Do the RIGHT thing - Support the H.A.M.B. Alliance!!!!

09-23-2012, 09:26 PM	#5
SLPreston53 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Beach, CA. Posts: 219	Re: making softer suspension A friend put "poly slide" between the leaves on each spring,and now he says the car "floats" with almost too soft a ride.

09-24-2012, 08:29 AM	#6
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: making softer suspension Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) How many leaves are you now using ?? And, what shape are they in ?? If they have not been cleaned, ground smooth they can ride pretty hard.. I don't see a problem with reducing the number of leaves to 7 or 8 or so..

09-24-2012, 09:03 AM	#7
jackball Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia Posts: 45	Re: making softer suspension Which leaves do you remove? The long ones or the short ones?

09-24-2012, 09:17 AM	#8
Rowdy BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gothenburg Nebraska Just off I-80 Posts: 4,893	Re: making softer suspension Look at Marco's chart on this link. Rod http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ploded+drawing __________________ Do the RIGHT thing - Support the H.A.M.B. Alliance!!!!

09-24-2012, 07:24 PM	#9
jkeesey Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Glenmoore Pa Posts: 1,644	Re: making softer suspension I was told by an old race car buddy to pull every other leaf. My springs are in barn fresh quality. I know they are definitely too stiff being as I have about 10 pounds of weight over the rear axle and the chassis is from a Tudor.

09-24-2012, 09:05 PM	#10
Brian LI Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island "The weiner of New York State" Posts: 41	Re: making softer suspension Well, we'vbe built 2 cars that are VERY light in the rear as you say. We removed every other spring and ended up with 6 in the rear spring pack and I believe 7 in the front pack. We cleaned them up when we reassembled but we did NOT oil or lube them in any way. We also did not try and make them shiny and brand new looking. We merely cleaned off the surface rust, wiped down, inspected and reassembled. It's been 5 years on the blue car in my avatar and the ride is comfortable IMHO