Rear Leaf

Tonight I started sand blasting my rear leaf springs. And they have 11 leafs. All the replacement springs are 9 leafs. This is on a 1953 M38A1.

 

Sounds like they are older springs with 11 Leafs, I put Ranco 1" lifts in my Jeep, now I would like a softer ride, People here advise BDS springs for a better ride. MY Rancho are a little stiff.

 

Jeep used different leaf counts for the same application many times. I recall the M38A1 springs had a lot of leaves, possibly 11. The aftermarket suppliers are building their springs to work best for the application, not as exact copies of Jeep original equipment. I don't think there's much motivation beyond being functionally correct.

If you want springs that are exact replacements of the originals, you can have them custom built. You might find a shop locally that can make them, or there's Deaver or Yukon. Will be expensive compared to the available replacements.

Is your Jeep for fun or an exact restoration?

 

Do they have the OEM center groove under the leaves? Unlikely to find repros with that.

 

The springs are ok. Is the rear spring hanger left handed threads they are the greasable type. I ordered new bushings for the front of the rear springs.

 

I don't know. If you don't get an answer, you could post another thread with your question in the title. Or you could ask on the G503 forum - they specialize in military vehicles. https://forums.g503.com/

 

If you are not familiar with the "u"shape shackles, read up on them before you get ugly with them.

 

If you search the internet for "M38A1 technical manuals" there are a lot of free online sources. I suspect you can find printed copies (reprints or originals) if you look for them.

 

Yes. Plus the coil helper springs on the M38A1-C.

I had passengers demand to get out and walk. Wimps.