1953/80 front leaf spring question

[Tomkah]

Hi all,

I think something isn't quite right on my farm fresh 1953/80 in the leaf spring department. I understand that it is normal that the front springs are wider than the rear, but is it also normal that in the front one side has 9 leafs and the other side 11???

Any help would be appreciated. Can I use Series 2a front springs? How many leafs should they have? Looking at pulling them apart so happy to mix and match. No counting of rivets here.

Thanks,

Thomas

[101RRS]

I cannot answer on the number of leaves but series vehicle springs are 'handed'. In RHD vehicles the drivers side springs have a heavier load capacity than the passenger side, however I am not aware if this is achieved by an increased number of leaves on the drivers side or just higher rated.

Garry

[JDNSW]

Series 1/2/2a/3 front springs typically had 11 leaves but the thickness leaf used became unobtainable, and late S3 and available replacements with the same rate changed to 9 thicker leaves. My 2a is similar to yours, 9leaf one side, 11 leaf the other side.

At least in theory the thinner leaves are more durable, but the thicker leaves have less interleaf friction.

[Tomkah]

Thanks mate, that makes sense.

I just noticed that I have pretty much destroyed my rear leafs by immersing them in an acid solution to derust them so I guess I will try to get a complete set of parabolics from gbsprings...dammit...