msecres@ibm.net wrote:
> Edward Hamilton wrote:
> >
> > In removing the road spring for general cleaning and overhaul I find
> > that it had been in the vehicle backwards (according to the Haynes
> > manual). The manual states that the machined edge of the main spring
> > should face the rear of the vehicle. Is there really a front/back to
> > this spring? -- visually, I cannot determine any difference. Is the
> > general opinion that I install it the way that it came out (worked fine)
> > or reverse it in accordance to the manual? If I reverse it now, what
> > will that do to the camber or wheel alignment -- if anything?
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> > Ed Hamilton
>
> I talked with my LBC shop about this very thing before I replaced my Spitfire
>rear
> spring. We both agreed that there was just no way to tell which side was
>front, except
> to install it with the leaf clamps facing the same way on the old and new
>spring.
> Geometrically, I can't see what difference it makes, anyway. Incidentally,
>you can take
> the spring out, spin it around, and still get the car listing to port. Go
>figure. An
> air shock conversion can help alleviate this somewhat. See Charlie Brown's
>conversion
> in the maintenance section of [www.vtr.org]...
>
> --
> Martin Secrest
> 74 Spitfire
> 73 GT6
Martin,
I appreciate your response -- nice to know its not just me. On a 1500, you can
tell the
difference between the front/rear of the spring. There is a machined edge at
the center of
the main leaf (the one with the bushings). This machined or flat spot, at the
center of the
leaf, denotes the front. I agree with you, there seems to be no geometric
difference in the
spring. I've made measurements from center point left and center point right
-- all is the
same. The spring I removed was backwards. The car, meanwhile, sat level and
seemed to
handle properly; although I only have a few hundred miles behind the wheel of
it. Now, if
your right, and turning the spring over will cause it to list (port or
starboard), then I
suppose I should replace the spring as it
was -- backwards. I would break into tears if I spun the spring around,
properly, put it
all back together only to find it lopsided. I don't need the practice of
taking it out
again.
Regards,
Ed Hamilton
'80 Spit -- level while on jack stands.
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