front spring question for a 30 hot rod

[evobuilder]

Check out the two pic for references. The 8 leaf pack is what was in my model A frame (sitting in factory cross member) and the 4 pack is what was supposed to come with my Speedway kit (spring behind axle).
With the 8 pack has a standard eye, the ride height was REALLY high, higher than the rear). It was also 28.5"eye to eye and the leaf ends rubbed the shackle.
The new spring is the right width 28" and is reverse eye, and my question is.... should I run an extra spring - to make 5? I have a big block ford but the body is glass and there is really nothing else, just a simple hot rod.
spring 1.jpg

spring 2.jpg

[tinkirk]

Try it not that hard to add a leaf or two
You won’t know tell it’s all together and on the ground



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[evobuilder]

Thanks. Yes, I am going to start with 4 (as is) and set it down on the ground. Then, add one at a time and see what works/drives best.

Originally Posted by tinkirk

Try it not that hard to add a leaf or two
You won’t know tell it’s all together and on the ground



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[evobuilder]

WHOA!!!!! Replaced the new 4 leaf spring and it def lowered it..... almost right on top of the axle.... and obviously the wishbones need to be adjusted forward because it rolled back soo much. I seriously think it dropped it 3 inches.

So probably need to add a leaf or two. Question is.... what is an acceptable amount of space between the axle and the frame?

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by evobuilder

So probably need to add a leaf or two. Question is.... what is an acceptable amount of space between the axle and the frame?

In my country, 50mm (two inches).

[barrelnose]

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In my country 50mm is 2”s,
No disrespect meant,just couldn’t help myself.

[77Birdman]

Originally Posted by barrelnose

In my country 50mm is 2”s,
No disrespect meant,just couldn’t help myself.

Everything is bigger in Australia!

[tinkirk]

Originally Posted by evobuilder

WHOA!!!!! Replaced the new 4 leaf spring and it def lowered it..... almost right on top of the axle.... and obviously the wishbones need to be adjusted forward because it rolled back soo much. I seriously think it dropped it 3 inches.

So probably need to add a leaf or two. Question is.... what is an acceptable amount of space between the axle and the frame?

bounce the front end, does it bottom out? if it does add a leaf, if not it must be good!

[evobuilder]

anyone know the minimum distance between axle and frame.... like can I get away with an inch? Understanding that spring tension has a factor in it... but still wonder if I can get away with an inch?

As I said above, my 4 spring pack installed has the axle just almost touching the frame rails.... so I am thinking about a 1" spacer to set ride height and then eventually play with adding spring by spring to dial it in perfectly.

So thoughts on an inch of space being enough?

[dumb person]

2 inches is the norm' where i live as the roads are uneven enough that a wheel would leave the ground if the axle bottoms out on the frame on one side.

May want slightly more than an inch.

[Jim Brierley]

The big block is heavy, you'll probably need another leaf, use a long one for good results.

[Wick]

Just add a spacer block between the spring and the cross member. 1/2" is what I did. Running a 4" drop axle with reverse eye spring. Tires don't hit fenders on turns now. Run 4-6 degree of caster 6 is best.
Wick