Joined: Mar 13, 2006 Posts: 1079 Location: Richburg, SC
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2014 6:35 pm Post subject: M38a1 leaf spring question - need a quick answer
I found some NOS springs for a good price. Only problem is - the guy doesn't know what they fit! He said they have tags, but you can't read them, and stickers that are worn off.
I checked the TM9-8014 and it says the front springs are 12 leaf, 38 3/8" long, 6 rebound clips. The guy said his measure 38 1/4", 12 leaf, 6 clips with a 5 5/8" arch.
So, everything else checks out, but what should an NOS M38a1 front springarch measure? I asked the guy what the width of the springs are, but he didn't have that written down. He said there were no numbers stenciled on the springs - just in green primer. The rebound clips are definitely the same as an M38a1. All 4 springs are the same - I know the rear springs are longer and have 13 leaves.
_________________ Matt
1953 M38a1
1964 USMC M38a1
'51 USMC M100 trailer, '54 M100 trailer, '90 M101a1 trailer
Http://wilfreeman.wordpress.com (M38a1 build blog)
http://m38a1usmc.wordpress.com (USMC M38a1 rebuild blog)
There is no published arch figure. If they are the correct width, with 12 leaves and the eye to eye center distance is close to 38 3/8" unloaded and the pivot bolt hole is 7/16" and the correct number and type of rebound clips then you should buy them. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Mar 13, 2006 Posts: 1079 Location: Richburg, SC
Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 8:29 am Post subject:
I was hoping that was the case - I am going to call the guy and get him to measure the width and pivot bolt hole diameter, because everything else looks/measures out correct. All 4 springs are the same, so I can use 2 on the front and sell the other 2. For what he is wanting for them, I could get 2 new front springs for free if I sell the other 2 for cheap!
Joined: Mar 13, 2006 Posts: 1079 Location: Richburg, SC
Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 8:46 am Post subject:
On the other 2? Maybe - I'll post them here after I get them and make sure they fit right on my 'a1. _________________ Matt
1953 M38a1
1964 USMC M38a1
'51 USMC M100 trailer, '54 M100 trailer, '90 M101a1 trailer
Http://wilfreeman.wordpress.com (M38a1 build blog)
http://m38a1usmc.wordpress.com (USMC M38a1 rebuild blog)
Joined: Mar 13, 2006 Posts: 1079 Location: Richburg, SC
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2014 8:20 pm Post subject:
I went and picked up my new springs today. All of the measurements seem to be correct - eye to eye, width, 12 leaves, 6 clamps and beveled edges on leaves. They are definitely NOS - still faded green with a little surface rust along the edges. Still have sticker residue and even remnants of a canvas toe tag on one of them! I will probably go out and check the fit by jacking up the Jeep and holding one up to compare tomorrow. I will have to replace the bushings before I install them first though - I see some cracks in the rubber and what better time to do it than while they are out. Overall I am very happy with this find!
The picture really makes them look like used ones, but it's what my phone gave me!
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