Leaf spring and tire question

[jim land]

Look for graphite paint to protect your leaf springs after wirebrush

 

[snaggletto]

As mentioned earlier, there is supposed to be a pin that goes through the springs into the spring perch welded to your axle. This locates the axle on the springs. The u-bolts just clamp it all together. A broken/sheared pin would allow your axle to slip along the leaf spring. Run a tape measure from fixed spring mount on the frame along the springs to your axle on both sides to see if that is the case.

 

[sandcruiser90]

Chalk test

 

[emac]

I would suggest taking off the springs, checking the bushings and integrity of the metal. If it is just surface rust then repaint and put in new bushings. Check shocks for resistance. Once you remove the clamps you will see the pin everyone is speaking of that lines up the axles. Understand that you are likely going to be in deeper than you think, so be prepared for problems like broken/rusted bolts that are tough to remove. Everything is harder than it is. If I was doing it, I would probably replace everything, as I hate doing things twice. It doesnt look like the the restoration included suspension and steering, as I see a good bit of rust on linkages. You may want to start spraying them with penetrating oil to loosen them up for adjusting. Those suspension bolts can be tough to get out. I think I ended up using a sawzall on several parts.

Once that is done and you are happy that everything is back properly, then check toe yourself. Tons of videos on how to do it. Pretty easy.

I dont think you can let enough air out of those tires to get them to run flat. They just aren't designed to be on those rims. But as others have said they will work. There just arent a lot of 15" tire options for stock wheels. It will take a lot of miles to wear them out.

Or do nothing and drive it, I am sure there are a ton of 40's running every day with a lot more problems.

 

[sandcruiser90]

Measured spring from anterior bolt to center of axle on both rear. Measured 20 in on both although 1/4 in difference must be hard to detect.

 

[masterA]

Looking at your tyres IMHO they do seem overinflated at 23lbs but don't show the kind of wear I'd expect. The rims maybe too narrow. Check with manufacturer re. recommended rim size for the tyre. Maybe they are at the limit. 16s may give you more choices. I have OME on both my cruisers. One set has been on for8+years and paint is ok, but they are coils so p tough to compare eh. Your leafs look like they were repainted badly but that doesn't mean they are toast. New springs aren't cheap,so I'd get a second opinion. Wheels can be had for a reasonable price 15 or 16inch. Good luck

View attachment 1615506

View attachment 1615508

Does anyone know which rim this is from and the offset?

Thanks

 

[69LC]

The simple fact that you still have paint on your springs says they’re ok. In the Midwest we don’t care about that bit of rust on our springs.

Maybe get some new spring and shackle eye bushings, wire wheel the crud off and repaint with some decent frame paint. The shop will think they’re new.

A lot of guys will run wider tires than rims are rated for and have no issues.

Shops are about getting jobs and making money. Be informed about what you have and the BS you’re being fed before spending your hard earned money.

The tires are fine.