Leaf Spring Options

[miller]

Hi miller,

I have greasable fixed pins on the 72. I used MQ pins but had to drill out the holes slightly to make them fit.

could I impose on you for some detail please ?

When you say you had to drill out the holes, are we talking running a bit through the holes to clean them up, or going up a size or two ?

And do you mean just the holes in the chassis spring hangers, or the metal bushing in the leaf spring also ?

Sorry for the questions, just want to know the facts on this one...
cheers,
D

Hey mate sorry i missed this some time back. I just needed to drill the spring hanger on the chassis. From memory it was 1.5mm at the most, nothing to worry about as there is still plenty of meat there.

[miller]

I've done most everything mechanical to my patrol and Roadster over the years but must confess I have little practical experience with leaf springs, shackles, etc.
Here are the Alcan standard lift springs I ordered. What else do I need to begin this project? I remember that Specter has shackles hidden some where - do I need 4 sets?
And what of the eye bolt for the other end of the spring, Can I reuse the original or is there a replacement available. Don't really care about greasable or non greasable, whatever. The eyes are bushed as you can see in the detail picture.
the U-bolts will be replaced, got a size and source for those?

Appreciate your help. I have gone through all the posts and some of the old stuff but there is too much conflicting information. You can direct me to posts that have the correct info. When done I will do a little writeup on the project for the board.

We'll done. Looks like RP has answered your questions so I look forward to seeing your write up. Would be nice if you guys had solid info and recourse for getting springs.

[Toads Patrol]

The adventure begins.
Shackles on their way from Specter

[Toads Patrol]

well it did not take long for the fun to begin.

Shackle bolt diameter is 0.625 in (5/8 in)

Bushings in Alcan springs are 0.625 (5/8 in) ID

Bushings shipped with Shackles from to protect them 0.630 in ID (16mm exactly)

New 55045-07200 spring bushing for reference is 0.624 (5/8 in) ID

Bushing diameter from workshop manual = 16mm

line to line fit - shackle bolts will not go into bushing.

Before I disassemble the Toad Patrol does anyone have and can measure accurately either or both the front and back spring bolt diameter - not an aftermarket but an original.

I'm hoping that it is 5/8 (0.625 in) in then I can hand ream the alcan spring bushings.

If the bolt diameter is something funky less than 5/8 then there is an issue here.

Thanks in advance

Any other info is appreciated. Only data in old posts is that eye bushings are 5/8.

[moore_rb]

The factory front and rear frame to spring bracket bolts are the same, and my Vernier says that the shoulder (non threaded) section of these bolts are just .005 less than 5/8 diameter ( .620 - I measured 2 bolts to be sure)

Did you need the factory shackle bolt diameters as well?

[Toads Patrol]

Yes, thanks
Bad use of language. Of course the front and rear are the same. What I meant to say was the diameter of the frame to spring bolt and one or both of the stock shackle bolts.
.005/2 would be appropriate clearance.

[moore_rb]

The four factory bolts that are pressed into the 2 loose shackles I have all measured between .615 and .625

so I would say they are 5/8 from the factory as well...

[Toads Patrol]

this is the maddening thing. 5/8 vs 16mm. its a matter of thousandths (.005) but important
Its the difference between no fit and the right fit.
As an engineer I will take your spread of measurements to be .620 ( .620 +/- .005).
That means that the bolts are special and the bushes are 5/8in in not 6mm.
try one more time or confirm. I've been out in the garage all day and the more I measured the better the accuracy came, but I think you have the right answer - just confirm please.
Thanks!

[Toads Patrol]

I would think a 16mm reamer is needed.
Or some careful polishing/sanding in the shackle bolts.
Or just use to old shackles!
any comments?
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81639

[moore_rb]

All my bolts were .620 at the largest -none measured thicker than .620 a couple were a little smaller (most certainly due to 50+ years of wear)

If the aftermarket shackle bolts are too snug, then I would agree your best option would be to take the material out of the bushing center sleeve - from your pics above it looks like you could easily ream .005 out of them if necessary

You haven't taken anything off the Patrol yet, right? I was going to suggest, get it disassembled, and fit the reamer bit to the diameter of the frame spring bracket holes - once the bushing sleeves are the same ID as the bolt holes in the frame brackets, you should be golden...