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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Removing leaf on 1500 Rear Springs

Afternoon oh wise Spridget Wizards!

Looked in the archive on this one and I think I know the answer, I just wanted to check and ask if anyone had tried the below...

If I remove the smallest leaf on the 6 leaf 1500 rear springs do I esentially end up with a 5 leaf 1275 spring?

To me it seems a tidier way of lowering the car (rather than using blocks). Or will softening the spring cause me bigger problems with handling?

Lardy bBumpers and associated metal work are long gone and the front will be lowered with the obligatory spacers under the spring pans (retaining 1500 front springs).

Thanks all,
Malcolm
Malcolm Le Chevalier

don't expect it's as straightforward as that (it rarely is); worth a try but it may make less difference than you expect.
David Smith

That lowest leaf is quite short, and I don't know how much it actually affects the spring rate.

What it MIGHT do (theorizing here), is to spread out the load being fed into the spring from the axle, so as not to create undue stresses. Maybe you could take out the second leaf up instead?

Again, just shooting in the dark.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Good point Gryf. I don't know if the bottom "leaf" counts or is just a load spreader?

It certainly hasn't got a clip thing to clamp it to the other leaves like the others do. If it doesn't count my springs only have 5 proper leaves anyway...

Anyone got pics of a 1275 and 1500 spring I could have a quick look and compare of?

It also appears it might not be that simple, the "free camber" is different. Esentially a measure of the curvyness of the unloaded spring.

Thanks guys (and gals!),
Malcolm
Malcolm Le Chevalier

Malcolm,
check the Archives I'm sure I've seen a photo of 1500 next to 1275 rear springs (if not then your favoured Search engine)
Nigel Atkins

I actually do know exactly what removal of the small leaf does because I've done back to back testing with and without it on my Intercomp Leaf Spring Tester. All I'll say here is that it makes more difference to the spring poundage than you'd expect

I'd be interested in exactly how long your 6th leaf is.

I believe my 1275 springs had the 6th leaf but aren't supposed to have.

Removal of the leaf should both lower the car and provide softer springing but it's not that simple and you may still need to use lowering blocks.

The neater option is to fabricate a front spring hanger bracket or modify one to raise the eye. I'm partway through making my own brackets.



Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

This thread was discussed on 10/01/2012

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