Pre-war (up to 1942) rear shring curvature

[35672]

I am restoring a 38 lasalle 2 door convertible.   The car seems to sit up too high in the back.  What is the correct spring height for that car?  the current springs are different heights.   I will have to get them re arched but need the correct arch.
Thanks
Jim

[z3skybolt]

Be sure that your leaf spring shackles have not rotated. Happened to me on my 40 Lasalle when I had it jacked up off the ground.  They will do that and cause the vehicle to sit way high.

z3Skybolt

[Warren Rauch #4286]

  I don't think Cadillac had a spec for this in 1938. The shop manual(1937-38supp) doesn't have one. I checked the Serviceman issues as well . They give a part number for 2-pass models. In 1937 ,the early cars had a weaker spring ,which was  replaced by the spring ,later used on 1938 LaSalles. There is also suggestion that the 5-pass spring be used if needed. The springs should be 9 leaves, but that is all they wrote.  Note: by 1941 they did include these specs in the shop manual.

Maybe others with this model can tell what their cars measure.

Warren

[35672]

Warren,
Thanks for the response.   i found one company that sells springs for 40 and later but no 38.  Got a company in Austin tx that rearches  springs and they are looking as well.
thanks again
Jim

[35672]

can anyone send me a picture of what the spring looks like in normal position.  I can get an idea as to the arch  by the position of the rear shackle.  if anyone can tell me the length of the spring eye to eye with the rear off the ground. 
thanks
jim

[tcom2027]

Eaton lists replacements. 2" wide 9 leaf springs if you have thoughts of replacing them.

I have installed their front coils and rear springs in a '41 CAdillac coupe, coils and rear springs on '53 Chrysler New Yorker and rear springs on a '46 Packard over the past couple of decades. Ride heights were at spec and the cars rode like I imagine they did when new.

Eaton also manufacture  up to +3"and -3" ride heights.

Drop in fit with shackles and bushings available. If those components aren't replaced you may not get the correct height overall or side to side.

I'm not a fan of re-arching, however many owners have had success installing them. I don't know the cost differential between re-arching and new and how far you want to go, new shackles, bushings, etc.

tony

[35672]

Tony
I just got some springs from eaton.  Dont know the specs but they had them for order.
Thanks for the heads up on eaton
Jim

[tcom2027]

Glad I could help. You won't be disappointed. If you didn't purchase the installation kits you may want to consider it. THey are relatively inexpensive compared with the springs and finish the job.

tony