Posted by Clint Dixon from 64.215.183.22 (Entegee.s11-0-1-4-0.ar1.KCY1.gblx.net) on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 at 9:31PM :
In Reply to: Front springs flat? posted by jock from 66.120.17.98 (adsl-66-120-17-98.dsl.sntc01.pacbell.net) on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 at 12:19PM :
That is what that 3 part main leaf is called. It is correct for the early WDX, and was used a short while longer. The split allows the spring pack to twist easier when the truck is "crossed up" as is the case when you drive diagonally across a ditch. I know this feature to be correct for my '47 WDX, at least, because the same part number that is found in the parts manual is factory stamped on the under side of the bottom spring leaf. Your spring leaves probably also tapper thinner and narrower at the ends with the ends rounded rather than sheared flat. These springs of this type also have a grease groove running their length on the underside of each leaf. The springs that I have of this design are the lightest duty (1100 lb. I believe) that are shown in the early parts manuals. I do not know whether or not these features are also found on the heavier springs offered on the early trucks.
If you get your springs rebuilt at a spring shop, try to get them to retain this "split feature".
Hope this helps,
Clint
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