Originally posted by C9x
Settled in ok.
Shop is up and running.

Just need to get ahead of the weeds in the back.
Geez, poison and weedwhacking don't see to cut it.
Every time I turn my back....
I thought all AZ properties were paved !

I wish you were located closer .. sure could use your machine shop talents! (and lathe!)


Anyway, by #2 leaf I'm guessing you're talking about the longest non-eyed leaf.

It may give just the right amount of help since the spring 'pack' doesn't have the progressive support a full leaf spring would.
I don't think it would hurt the ride at all.

My thinking was the opposite.
I was going to try to find 2-3 of the (different length) short leafs and add those in place of the shims.
Right on the # 2 leaf. But now you have me thinking about a couple of the shorter leafs.

At the moment, with the front end loaded - with engine and trans - I still have a couple of inches at the frame rails.

Once the 31 is up and running I may tear the 32 apart and notch the frame on it.

Fwiw - a piece of 1 x 2" x .120 wall rectangular tubing makes a nice filler.
Cut one of the long sides off leaving the 1" sides as long as you can.
You'll end up with a just under 1" notch this way.

I took AV8's advice and tilted it slightly so the spring hits the full width of it instead of hitting only on the corner.
I think that's gonna work quite well.

Another fwiw on square and rectangular tubing - I cut one side off many times so as to make body mounts, engine mounts etc.
After the cutting and clean-up grinding I end up with a nice piece of short 'channel' that looks good due to the curved edges.

Cutting the narrow side of a rectangular piece gives you a good start on a shock/headlight mount combo for a highboy.

As far as raw stock goes, just specify the wall thickness you want depending on what you're doing.
3/16" for motor mounts, 1/8" for body mounts etc.
Like you, I have been using various pieces of square and rectangular for gussets and brackets. There is a place here in town - called the Metal Supermarket - owned by a lady that lets me scrounge through the "off cuts" bin for all kinds tube. (it's kinda like being in a candy store!! ) I take her a box of donuts once and a while and she usually just gives me the pieces!

Will retrieve the Posie's spring tomorrow - from upstairs - and report back.
Thanks for the ideas!
Dave