Rear Leaf Spring Dimensions

[klm]

Does anyone has the correct dimensions for the rear springs with the springs removed from the car?

The calculated direct distance between the two mounting points on the chassis is 43.37" from the BMC Workshop Manual. I have measured the centre to centre distance between the spring eyes and found it to be 42.2" for both springs. The difference is taken up by the spring shackle and expected to settle to the correct height when loaded. Is 42.2" distance correct for the 7 leaf springs? If this dimension is incorrect, does the springs require reshaping?

klm

[kennatt]

would'nt worry about the unloaded length of the spring ,the design is to alow the rear shackle to move forawrds and back under differing loads.The tempering of the spring is the important factor.and can't be tested unless on the car so you can measure the distance from the top of the axle to the bump stop on the chassis and also when the spring has softened too mutch the rear shackle will hit the chassis rail. I suppose anyone with a new or know good spring off the car could give you the measurement,but with a used item the former is realy the only way to test it,the length could look right but if the temper has gone then it will be too long when under load

[klm]

Thanks kennatt for the response. As I understand the retempering of leaf springs involve heating to 300 - 400 deg.C and quenching in oil to achieve the required hardness of spring steel. I note there is very little information available on the internet on this subject and it is not clear how to achieve the optimum temper for a spring and also achieve the correct height when the car is loaded. There should be a recommended temper hardness and spring dimensions to achieve the required spring rate for the Morris Minor.

[kennatt]

to be honest in uk not worth the bother new springs are relatively cheap don't know about down your part of the world, mind there have been a batch of poor quality springs about lately,but the ones I put on were ok but a bit overtempered so a harder ride but some have flatened in no time,sign of the times

[klm]

The specification for rear springs is given in the BMC Workshop Manual. It is specified as Free Camber and Working Camber, when the the car is supported on the springs. The definition of Camber for leaf springs is described at the following link:

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/suspensn/rs105.htm

The free camber for a Minor 1000 (later type axle) is specified as 4.125" (10.5cm). I just measured the free camber on two springs from an Australian assembled 1958 Minor 1000 and found to be 4.625". This indicates that the distance between the eyes is shorter than the specification.

klm