M38A1 Leaf Spring Specs

[Wayne Hingley]

Im about to begin the process of rebuilding my leaf springs. I have the basic specifications of the leaf springs for a CDN 2 from the CF Repair Manual (see attached image). However, most spring shops need some additional information that is not contained in the M38A1 Repair Manual, and I am wondering if these specifications were ever published in another document.

The second attached image shows the typical measurements that spring shops require (in addition to that info from the manual) when building or re-arching a set of leaf springs (dimensions A, B & C). Also see webpage for details on the proper way to measure these three dimensions.https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/h...-leaf-springs/ In my case, I know dimensions A & B, so the missing info is really dimension C (which is the "spring arch").

Is anyone aware of these dimensions being published somewhere, or does anyone have as set of unaltered NOS springs who can give me the measurement for "C"? If not, I can deal with the issue another way, as I have taken all the floor to body measurements at various points around the jeep, before I stripped it down to the frame. So I will come up with an adjustment factor from my current to desired "spring arch" from there, but I would prefer to work with, or at least be able to reference, the original specs. Thanks in advance for any help! ...Wayne

[chris vickery]

Wayne, just wondering why you'd bother rebuilding them when new production ones are available from the USA?
A set of rebuilt springs is still a set of rebuilt springs
Peter Debella lists them at $150USD ea, repro

[Wayne Hingley]

Hi Chris. Great comments, I agree with your thinking. To a large degree it does come down to cost. I note that rebuilt old springs are still "old springs". However, I have had great results with rebuilding the old springs on my 1953 M38A1 in the early 90's, and they are still holding well. So, yes I believe rebuilding them should come at a cost discount vs new, but I will not rule-out rebuilding as an option for consideration.

I see myself investigating three options as follows, and I will make a choice after I know the cost of each:

1. Purchase new production springs from the US. Given currency exchange right now, these springs are close to $200 CAD each plus shipping. Given the bulk and weight of four leaf springs - I suspect shipping will get me up to around $1000 CAD. Yet to be confirmed.

2. Purchase locally made new production replacement springs. Need to get a quote on this from the local spring shop.

3. Rebuild current springs to original specs. Need to get a quote on this from the local spring shop.

To further investigate the cost of options 2 & 3, I need the information identified in my original post. Thanks again! Wayne

[Frank v R]

I understand your problem , having been at this a very long time I would highly suggest getting a set from Dabella , I have a set and they are very well done , they do not include the ridge that the cdn2 or 3's have that collected all the crap and held water, rebuilding yours will require the spring's torque specs, without these you are only guessing and could end up with a lifted or sad sack vehicle , I've seen the ones that DND had made and they were incomplete , no clamps , looked like hell, for a 52 or 53 I would rebuild those as they are unique , the only Jeep torque specs I have ever seen were for the MB and were only in the early TM-10 books ,

[Wayne Hingley]

Thank you for your input Frank. I will look into the new production springs a bit more to see how badly I will bleed from the currency exchange.

I agree with your comments about the little crap-trap groove in the CDN 2 & 3 springs... not sure why they ever decided to do that.

Do your Debella springs have the leaf-clamps with bolts, as the military springs do? Debella's photo listing shows the original military spring, but then notes below that the springs are not as seen in the photo.

Kaiser-Willys also has a listing for M38A1 springs. On their spring pack it shows a slightly different type of clamp (and less of them). Kaiser-Willys sells their springs for $125 USD.

I will get in touch with Debella for more information and photos. However, the last time I emailed them about a question on a part, I did not get a reply - so I bought the part elsewhere.

See photos below. The first is Debella, and the rest are Kaiser-Willys.

Thanks.... Wayne

[Jerry.Steber]

Good evening.

I recently had a local spring shop here in Pennsylvania install a set of rear NOS springs (13 leaf) on my 1953 M38A1 frame. I can measure the "C" dimension for you if you still need the information.

Chief Warrant Officer Jerry Steber
US Army

[Wayne Hingley]

Hi Jerry. Thank you, yes I'm still interested to get the "C" dimension. If your springs are already installed, could you jack the frame up until you can take the measurement in the "neutral" position (ie: not under load, and not hanging)? I appreciate your help!!

[Jerry.Steber]

Hi Wayne,

Will take the dimensions for you this weekend.

CW4 Jerry Steber

[Frank v R]

Hi Wayne , Peter's springs have the bolt style clamps, nice springs,

[Wayne Hingley]

Great to know Frank. Thanks for the feedback.

[Mike Gray]

Wayne,
Kaiser Willy's in South Carolina has NOS springs at $124.99 per, 9 leaf.
Front 7 leaf at $109.99, per.
However, exchange rate and shipping and handling apply.
For your consideration.