Technical 1941 Ford Springs

I have a 1941 Ford Deluxe and finally got it out for a test drive and notice how rough it road. It is like it bottom out. If you push down on the front fender it does not move. It has new shocks but I think it is something to do with the big bow spring on the front. I have included picture of the spring it was hard to get a picture of the spring on the ground. Any suggestions...>? Thanks Jerry

 

All "FROD" springs are exceedingly RARE !

 

Is there any way to track recent owners of your car? Something just does not look right. The spring looks flat, there is almost no arc and the shackles don't have any movement left because of this. Did someone replace the spring at one time? In one of your pictures the spring "U" bolts are even with the axle.

 

Alright,.... If everybody is going to be all serious,... I guess I'll give a honest opinion.

You have an actual 1941 Axle which is the same from 1937-1941,... In 1942 and up the perch pins were moved father outboard,... Most people think the 1941 uses the same front spring as the 1942-1948 front spring, When in fact it uses the narrower 1937-1941 front spring.... Your shackels arn't working.

 

It was the "FROD" thing that threw me off !

 

41s are an oddball. Some parts are earlier as harms way said and the some parts interchange with 42 thru 48.

 

Sorry about the spelling of Ford. Is the a replacement single spring that would give it a smooth ride??? Also the spring is arched up is that correct? Thanks Jerry

 

The photo looks as though your shocks may be bottomed out. Pull them off and see how it works then. You may need to source some shorter ones.

 

OK to make sure I understand you want me to remove the front shocks and then drive it with none and see if that is better and if so then go with shorter shocks? Thanks Jerry

 

It isn't gonna work with the shackles as mentioned above--no give left for compression--spring needs to maybe be 2 1/2"-3" shorter best I can tell

 

Do you think I should change the springs out? How to you measure for the correct springs? Thanks Jerry

 

Your spring is too long as has been posted by others.
This pics show the angle that a 41 Ford front shackle should be at. And this is with a slightly longer shackle to get the font end lower. But the angle would still be the same. Yours is at such an extreme angle that there is no room for movement
It looks like yours could be from a later 40's Ford (Which is longer)but hard to tell from the pics. Hell It could be from lots of things.
ALSO: Be aware of the fact that the way that spring and shackle set up looks the spring could be under pressure/load. You may need some sort of spring spreader to get the shackles off with out injury to yourself or others. Error on the side of caution and do some research before you attempt to remove it yourself.
You might want to post over on the Ford barn site as they are all about stock old Fords. Use the search function for more info.
Torchie

 

I am not trying to keep it stock(Has a 350 chevy engine and digital gauges) I am trying to get it to ride good. I will post on the Ford barn and see what they say> Thanks Jerry

 

Understood. But that looks like a stock 41 Ford front end so just don't mention the 350.
Posies make a single leaf spring for these I believe.
Torchie

 

Most of us are on Ford Barn as well,.... (Same Owner) See you there !

 

Sorry about tat I do appreciate all the help. I have been to a wedding and have not gotten much sleep for the last 2 night I think I am brain dead. Thanks Jerry

 

Jerry,
Im in gonzales about 45 min from you. If you feel like coming this way id be happy to take a look for you. I just bought a 47 deluxe, going pick it up next week. Send me a pm if you need a hand

 

Mr. Lodaddyo I look at you build thread and was impressed , nice work. Wright now I think I have it figured out. My shop, where the car is, is in Basile and I will be going there this weekend. When I do I need to measure for a new Posies super spring. Then it will be to order and install. I really do appreciate the offer thanks. Jerry.

 

I have a Posies reversed eye super slider in my 41 Merc and a Speedway panhard bar and the ride is so much better than stock spring. I'm very happy. Check them out.

 

very good Dave I just order the Posies super slider from Speedway it have not come in yet. What is the panhard bar for? Thanks Jerry

 

A Panhard bar helps keep the axle centered (left to right) and reduces sway. Originally they did not have them but some add them to increase drivability. Google Panhard bars to get some idea.
Torchie

 

Thanks very much...Jerry