Radial tires rubbing

[mrtexas]

Looks to me like the lowered axle is the problem. And 15 vs 16 wheels does not help as well and makes the problem worse. When the axle is bent up it definitely shortens the width of the axle vs stock. I'd get a new single leaf spring myself a couple inches shorter and use/shorten a couple more to solve the problem easily. Surely shortening the spring so that the angle with respect to vertical is inbound vs outbound wouldn't change the ride stiffness much? This place can make you the spring https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/l...SAAEgLBKfD_BwE . I used them to make lowered rear leaf springs for my 49 hot rod not requiring lowering blocks. Now postage to Kiwi Island is another thing.

Here is my 41 with front discs, stock 16 inch wheels and non lowered axle. I have lots of room while the discs move the wheels out very little, maybe 3/4 inch total.

[Tinker]

Most drop axles also shorten track length to clear fenders. More drop more reduction.


Everything effects something. just a thought.


.

[19Fordy]

meric42:
Give Posie a call after analyzing this info. Maybe they can help.
http://www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com/...35_48_springs/
Here's a photo of 40 Ford with Posie 39 inch 2040 reversed eye spring, 4 in. dropped axle that is 3/4 in. narrower than stock, Perch bolt centerline distance is 38 1/2 - same as stock 40 axle. dropped steering arms and Posie shackles. Wheels are early Ford pick up 15 in x 5 1/2 in with 4 in. back space. Tires are 5:60 x15. Because the car is so low in the front the axle bump stops almost touch the axle. Shackles are at 45 degree angle. The shackle pin centerlines are 1 1/2 in apart. Spring is 2 in. wide.
I don't know if the 42 front suspension is a lot different from a 40 but, I hope this helps a little bit.

[Bored&Stroked]

I'm with 19Fordy and others . . . spring is too long for the application (why, I don't know). You want the shackle angle more like what is shown above in 19Fordy's post. The guys at Posie's are easy to deal with - they should be able to hook you up. I'd clean and rebuild the spring while you're at it and get the smaller spring/shackle size as mentioned by others.

[flatjack9]

Ditto on the above 2 posts. I have 15" Merc wheels on my 39 with 195 78 R15 tires with no problems. My spring with reversed eyes hangs with the lower ends of the shackles inboard.

[19Fordy]

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meric42, I looked in the BIG GREEN BOOK and I can't find any specific listing for what front spring fits a 1942 Ford sedan delivery. It does show an 11 leaf front spring for a 1940 ford sedan delivery. Sedan delivery is not even listed. Are you sure you have the correct OEM spring? Do you know the Model number and wheelbase of the sedan delivery? Is it considered as a special vehicle?

[rustythumb]

the shackle angle on meric's car is correct for '42-'48. the problem is narrower dropped axle + wheels with more back space. narrower spring might be the best fix.

[Ggmac]

Originally Posted by meric42

Had a play with the front end yesterday and I cannot adjust the steering stops enough to get clearance for the shackle. I'm thinking that I will need to get the spring shortened? See pictures below and I'll look forward to your comments.

Did you split your wishbone ? If not than the angle couldnt move just the axle is narrower. It just hit me , it does look opposite to all other set ups but it could only change if you split your bones or heated and bent your spring perches .

[Jack E/NJ]

rustythumb>>>the shackle angle on meric's car is correct for '42-'48. the problem is narrower dropped axle + wheels with more back space. narrower spring might be the best fix.>>>

Don't know about the angle but the spring shackles are different for 42-48. 21a-5468 vs. 11a-5468 Jack E/NJ

[19Fordy]

Here's a great thread on Ford axles.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...d-axles.55439/

Here's 1942 dropped axle that Speedway sells. Maybe the measurement data will be helpful.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Magnum-Axle-...1:pf:0&vxp=mtr