Rear leaf-springs: shackles:

['J' Bird Ken]

Most of you are probably aware of the following.

I was not, until yesterday. However, I notice some photos
showing cars that look higher in the rear than they should
be. As was my '60 H'top. My '60 Convert was NOT.

Hence:

Re: Rocker-Panel skin vertical distance-to road surface:

Measuring distance from road at fwd end, as compared to the distance at after end of RP:

My '60 H'top rear-end of leaves are fastened to the
shackle-plates, which hang below the pivot-bushing-linkage of the frame-retainer bow-plate.
This car was used for trailer towing. Probably, to counter the weight of trailer it once towed, this
'format', lifts the rear end the length of the shackle, as was needed. It had a very heavy hitch-frame, now removed in the 'restoration'.

My '60 Convert. rear-end of spring leaves has that shackle-end ABOVE the bushing-end of the frame-retainer bow-plate, which bushing now takes the lower
position of the shackle.

This format allows the rear-end to come down nicely,
to sit better aesthetically, without seeing the gas-tank
from eye-level when sighting from 20' behind the car.

The convertible 'sits' much better, more aesthetically pleasing. Choices!

[ncbird]

reversed shackles

Congratulations you have just discovered reverse shackles. It has been a time honored shade tree, lo buck, method of raising a car. There were and are kits with shackle sides that allow you to adjust the height. If you look you will see many jeeps with reverse shackles to lift them for larger tires. You should actually feel the car become more stable. Why? because it isnt balanced on top of the shackles.
ramblings of an old shade tree mechanic....Grant

[byersmtrco]

I'm lower than (most ) hardtops.
Prob due to a 'vert being about 500 lbs
heavier (in the rear)
That & my rr/leafs (as are my frt coils)
are orig.
She's low.

[Dan Leavens]

Ken thanks for starting this thread and keep us posted on the restoration with pics.

[lorenzalizares]

leaf spring question..

hi, im newbie here. I'm Lorenza, im just curious and of course i want to know about the leaf spring. why is the distance shorter at the front of the spring - from axle to eye, than the rear? I understand it has something to do with axle wrap but what exactly does the shorter distance at the front do? Also what problems would/might occur if I reversed the spring? thanks a lot.

[simplyconnected]

Welcome to Squarebirds, Lorenza. I'm honored to answer your first post, and I'm also a native Illinoian. If you want the real technical properties of spring technology, these are the guys you need to speak with:

http://www.eatonsprings.com/

They have great Tech Support. - Dave

[scumdog]

hi, im newbie here. I'm Lorenza, im just curious and of course i want to know about the leaf spring. why is the distance shorter at the front of the spring - from axle to eye, than the rear? I understand it has something to do with axle wrap but what exactly does the shorter distance at the front do? Also what problems would/might occur if I reversed the spring? thanks a lot.

Reversing them as in putting the 'short' end to the rear?

If nothing else it will move your rear axle 'way back, you wouldn't even get your rear wheel on!!

[Dakota Boy]

can you post a photo of this shackle setup?

[simplyconnected]

...you wouldn't even get your rear wheel on!!

Or your driveshaft.