a1 weak front spring?

[zeke57]

Recently noticed the jeep looked like it was sitting lower on one side in the front so I took a measurement and indeed the d/s is 1/2'' lower measured from the floor to the bottom of the frame nearest the front bumper mount. Both of the springs have 12 leaf's and both of the rears have 13 all four tires are new and have the same amount of air pressure and I am measuring from a level concrete floor. I unbolted the shocks and kind of tested the springs by just pushing down on each side with my hands. On the d/s I could compress the spring about an inch or so just using my weight while on the p/s I could barely budge it with hand pressure I had to jump up and down on it to compress it a little. So which spring is the problem? I am assuming the d/s is weak and causing it to sag or could it be the other spring be too stiff. I did replace the p/s spring with a used one from QTM and it is the same dimensions as the d/s.
_________________
1952 M38a1

[wesk]

It's a common ailment of the old girl. With the gas and driver both on the left side, the left side springs soften before the right side does. The only cure are a set of matched new springs and then wait about 8 to 10 years for her to sag again on the left.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[zeke57]

So do the right side springs tend to sag less than the left I am wondering if I found a spring that I knew was a right side maybe it may still be good and I could use it on the left side. The used spring I bought from QTM has no sag so I assume it was originally a right side so maybe I could find a right side and put it on the left if that would work.
_________________
1952 M38a1

[wesk]

We are seemingly mixing apples with oranges here. Note the left and right rear springs are the same part number hence they are the same spring. The only combination of a left & right rear spring that will leave the jeep level are two new springs or two used springs aged the same amount. When putzing with used springs there is no solid equation to use. You must find two equally tired (used) springs and put them on the same axle. This can't be done by measuring two used springs and if they have the same bushing eye to bushing eye measurement assume they are equal because this measurement only indicates the arch is about equal. There is no visible cue for the amount of fatigue a spring has suffered till you load them equally and see if they sag the same amount. This is why we say the only reasonable answer to your one side droop is a new pair of springs. Playing around with old springs get tiresome very quick. A much more simpler solution is to add a pair of aftermarket air inflatable shocks which allow you to raise or lower one corner of the jeep at a time till she is level.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[zeke57]

Thank you for your advice Wes I do not really want to mess around with old springs I just want the jeep to sit up straight. I had not given any thought to air shocks thanks for that suggestion I will search around on the web and see what I can find.

[zeke57]

After doing some initial research it looks like the air shock option might not work as the tubes are 3-1/2'' in diameter.

[zeke57]

Anyone ever have a spring re-arched maybe that could be a solution to a weak spring.
_________________
1952 M38a1

[wesk]

Re-arching has a very short life span. In a year or so you'll be right back where you started.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[cabinfever]

Just swap the sets from side to side. Then, when you're sitting in the Jeep (without a passenger) it should pretty much even out. After a while, both sides will be broken down somewhat and the Jeep may return to level.
_________________
Steve Stark - 1955 M38A1 MD #85388

Member - MVPA #35153
Member - Red Bull Historic Military Vehicle Association

[zeke57]

I am starting to wonder if my d/s front spring really is weak or is something up with the used replacement spring I installed on the p/s front. The other three springs currently mounted on the jeep (2 rears and d/s front) I am able to apply downward pressure with my hands and flex the spring a little( about 1/2'' ). The p/s front spring that I replaced has absolutely no flex what so ever. So is it possible that spring is not the right one, did I do something wrong when mounting it? For all you experts out there should I be able to actually flex the spring as I described? Like I said three of the four will do that. Thanks everyone for your help.
_________________
1952 M38a1

[wesk]

You would have to supply a photo of the spring and hopefully the part number it had been listed as for us to try and help you out. It appears obvious that your new - USED - spring is clearly in better (Read stiffer) shape than your other three.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php