IanC Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 I hope my description below makes sense. I've taken several attempts at re-wording it. I'm rebuilding the leaf spring on my 1500 spitfire and I have a question. The bottom side of the bottom spring has a stud that locates into the diff' and on the top side there's another stud which sits proud of the lower plate when that's in place. The tube/spacer for the centre bolt sits on top of that stud and is held in place by the kink in the safety spring. This means that there is a gap between the spacer and the plate (see photo) and that the lower plate can move around (until the studs and pivot box are fitted). Also that any pressure on the spacer is concentrated on the small area where it touches the stud whereas I would have though it should have been across the length of the spacer? What is the Iower plate for? It seems to be merely a locating plate for the studs? I don't think I've missed out anything in the rebuild.... My picture of the original shows the gap between the plate and the spacer. Spacer sat on top of inner stud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johny Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 The bottom plate clamps one leaf solidly while the others can rock so reducing the tendency of the wheels to tuck under when cornering hard. I dont recognise that stud in it though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 (edited) that looks as it should , wont pull down till you fit and secure the studs leave the centre through bolt loose till is sat on its wheels Pete Edited October 21, 2023 by Pete Lewis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinR Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 The purpose of the stud is to lock the lower leaf into place on the diff. The spacer is a anti-crush tube so that the bolt that goes through it doesnt pull the sides of the box in to trap the upper leaves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johny Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 And the spacer tube sits balanced on the stud like that does it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted October 22, 2023 Report Share Posted October 22, 2023 the bolt just has the tube slid over it its a loose fit as said acts as a anticrush tube does very little to affect the box/spring operation but have seen a few bent bolts often the rubber top pad is disintegrated even poly pads dont seem to last Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted October 22, 2023 Report Share Posted October 22, 2023 It does sit quite far off the lower leaf; here's one with the lower plate removed. Once in place on top of the diff the lowest leaf fits into the diff casing, the plate rests on top and the four studs pull the housing down tight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unkel Kunkel Posted October 22, 2023 Report Share Posted October 22, 2023 I recall that getting the swing bolt to line up and go through the tube was a bit fiddly but was helped by using several G clamps to compress spring leaves together and aid the leaves to fit fully into the box. (The new poly spring pad and leaf buttons I fitted may have made the lining -up less easy) Once thats in The lowest, leaf ie separate spring leaf, fits in a recess on top of the diff. and the then tightening the nuts on the dive studs pulls everything in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanC Posted October 23, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2023 All, Cheers for the replies. It's a great source of information when you're all so knowledgeable and helpful in responding. It's what helps to define TSSC members, Further investigation on my part shows that my "top stud" is in face the threaded portion of the diff' locator so I'm going to have another crack at it today. Once again, cheers all. IanC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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