Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Categories
- All Discussions27,052
- Orphaned Marques
- ↳ Hudson21,122
- ↳ Street Rods807
- ↳ Off Topic573
- ↳ American Motors149
- ↳ Kaiser - Frazer70
- ↳ Nash70
- ↳ Packard163
- ↳ Studebaker122
- Classic American Cars
- ↳ Ford Motor Company956
- ↳ Chrysler Corporation477
- ↳ GM Corporation1,396
- ↳ Post War Chevrolets75
- ↳ Pontiac Forum119
- General
- ↳ All makes1,959
- ↳ Poll Discussions24
- Swapmeets & Events
- ↳ Events130
- ↳ Swapmeets108
- Hot Rod Corner
- ↳ Ford Rods90
- ↳ Lead Sleds67
- Special Interest Groups
- ↳ The Flathead Forum139
- European marques
- ↳ MG Car Company2
- ↳ Mercedes-Benz2
In this Discussion
- 46HudsonPU July 2012
- charles4d July 2012
- dave s July 2012
- Fred July 2012
- Lee ODell July 2012
- Ol racer July 2012
- RL Chilton July 2012
- Tallent R July 2012
Leafsprings - Hudson Pickup Trucks
-
Everyone,
Am working on my '39 Hudson 112 pickup, planning on swapping-out the rearend. Would be replacing it with a more modern unit - with a 'highway friendly' gear ratio (planning to keep the rear brakes 'drums', not going to disc).
While thinking on that, I also am looking at the leafsprings.
Those of you who are familiar with the rear leafsprings on these pickups know they are 'substantial' - so much so, I would consider them overkill, with little flexibility unless carrying a very heavy load. And even then, I think they are still too much, probably due to Hudson wanting to ensure that they would 'handle the load' no matter what it was...
There is a lot of 'leafs' and metal there - and they aren't really too flexible, looking more like two-ton springs than the 1/2 ton springs they are supposed to be.
Has anyone made adjustments to these leafsprings, reduced the number of leafs, or replaced them altogether - with something else? (If so, what?)...
Am curious, and interested in getting others' experiences, thoughts, feedback, etc...
Regards,
Rick -
Note: I added some truck leafspring photos, from my rerference archives - these are from my tan '46 Hudson, the '39 are very similiar, if not the same...
-
Hi Rick
I have a Spring Data Manual 1948
It says you 1939 spring 6 cyl. is for a 38/39 112 all types
number of leaves 1/8 W.D.13/4 Length S.E. 241/16 L.E. 24 1/16
Bushings S.E. Tb22 L.E. 7/8 Just some info. for what its worth
you might try Eaton spring co. have new ones made for it no other
Hudson or Vehicle from 1928 to1948 has that size sorry -
Very good point, Rick. I know that Hudson trucks are some of the stiffest I've ever encountered! LOL! Somethin' has got to be done . . .
Certainly removing some of the leaves would do the trick, but I would also contact Dr. Doug and see what his professional opinion is, as I know he has done this and now has a PU of his own that he is working on when he finds the time. -
Hi Rick,
I have not done it yet but I have a pair of rear leaf springs out of a 47 Super Six to replace the rear springs in my 47PU. Also, I am looking for a pair of front coil springs from 40's coupe or sedan. The truck should ride more comfortable like a car and set a little lower. That may be an alternative for your 112 to put car springs under it.
Lee O'Dell -
Rick, I put passenger car springs in my 46 pickup, and it then couldn't carry a load without resting on the axle. Not good, so I put helper springs in to boost the load carrying capacity. That works, but I think removing a couple of leaves might be the better route...
With the passenger car springs it sits pretty low in the back end.
Fred Lorenz -
I dont know , the one I had was a 47 ,long wheelbase of course with 308 and hydromatic. Had the huge stack of springs in back with 16 inch bias tires.
I didnt think it rode too bad at all ,there was no give if you sat on the tailgate. But I dont remember that it rode much different than a car.
Might have been the eaxtra weight of the 308 & Hydro ?
I know if you look at the factory specs the hight in the rear is only 1" lower when loaded to its 3/4 ton capacity as opposed to empty. Thats not much "Give",
RogerRetired Tech. -
dave s "On the same subject, I need a set of rear truck springs for our 36 panel delivery. Someone pur car springs on it, and it sits way too low in back. Over winter, I may try adding several more leafs to existing springs."
Hmmm... Dave - Will 46/47 Truck Springs fit/work? -
Rick,
Both my trucks have only 9 leaves and Ive had some pretty heavy stuff in the bed without noticably dropping... I would remove alternate leafs down to Nine then install new center bolts and clamps available at Spring shops..I also installed 2" lowering blocks...
