M38a1 leaf spring question - need a quick answer

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Thu Feb 13, 2014 6:35 pm

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 spring arch 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.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Feb 14, 2014 12:55 am

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.

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Fri Feb 14, 2014 8:29 am

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!

Thanks for the info Wes!

Balvar24 · Post by **Balvar24** » Fri Feb 14, 2014 8:35 am

Dibs?

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Fri Feb 14, 2014 8:46 am

On the other 2? Maybe - I'll post them here after I get them and make sure they fit right on my 'a1.

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 8:20 pm

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!