Rear Spring Replacement

[SUE482]

My 1955 minor has 7 leaf springs fitted with rubbers inside the three clamps on each spring, these have perished so replacement may be necessary. As it is a saloon all the suppliers are recommending 5 leaf replacements and they are slightly cheaper, has anyone experienced problems with this and should I replace the bushes with poly versions while I'm at it?

[LordAnthony]

They should indeed have 5 leaves. I would have thought 7 would make the ride a bit bumpy.
I've just done my springs and have used poly bushes simply because they're supposed to be longer lasting. I had rubber before, although they were slightly perished, and I was a bit concerned that the poly bushes would be too firm. In practice I haven't found this to be the case although that's probably more to do with the new springs than anything else.

[bmcecosse]

I wouldn't worry about the perished rubber at the clips - if your springs are otherwise ok. And yes - 5 leaf saloon springs will be the normal choice, unless planning heavy load carrying - in which case go for the 7 leaf Traveller springs. And yes- poly bushes will last v much longer than rubber.

[LordAnthony]

I wouldn't worry about the perished rubber at the clips

You're right - in fact, the replacement springs didn't have rubber round the clips at all.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

The 7 leaf fitted are correct up until about 1958 when slightly thicker 5 leaf springs were fitted to saloons. If you fit 7 leaf traveller springs which you will find that the car will sit very high and give a very bouncy ride.

I had the original 7 leaf springs on my lowlight retempered by a local spring works who did a great job, they were set up by 1 1/2' to compensate for the settling over the last 60 years! The springworks only charged £25 for this so much cheaper than a new set and keeps it original as well.

[Fingolfin]

You can buy replacement clips?! I just made new ones out of bent steel, like on every other car I've ever seen with leaf springs.

[Bazzalucas]

I replaced the 5-leaf springs on my '58 with a set of 7-leaf springs that came with the car (I believe they are Trav springs as they are thicker than the pre-58 7-leaf springs). I used poly bushes and find the appearance (ride height) indistinguishable from the original. The ride is improved with far less "axle tramp" than before. (Oh, I used 30w oil in the dampers, too).