New Springs On 1958 Pacer

[Ariz-Pacer]

In the Axle thread a while back I got a lot of help in finding wheel bearing parts to fix up my bearings before going on a trip.

At the time the mechanics were packing the bearings they informed me that both top leafs of the axle springs were broken and proceeded to show them to me. Sure enough they were both broken. When I got back from my trip I decided to see about getting them fixed.

I took the Pacer to Dunbar Spring in Phoenix and they looked at them and said yes, they could replace the top springs and up size them as requested.

To make a long story short, when the springs were removed to make the repair they discovered that the under springs were rusted and beyond use. (I frequently drive through creeks and rivers )

They then manufactured new springs, shackles, U-bolts and bushings for the Pacer. I am quite happy with the outcome. The spring thickness was up-sized to meet the projected load requirements based on the information I gave them.

See the pictures below. Unfortunately I did not take before pictures but trust me both shackles were resting on the underside of the frame.





AZP

[Melody Ranch]

Very nice. A question....if you do use it in as remote conditions as you say...did you consider mounting the axle below the springs for extra ground clearance?

[worldinchaos]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Very nice. A question....if you do use it in as remote conditions as you say...did you consider mounting the axle below the springs for extra ground clearance?

Yeah, how about that? Because I am thinking of doing the same thing for my '59 Pacer -- swapping the reverse drop to make it a regular drop. It looks like it should be pretty straightforward. I would just buy some new shackles/ U-bolts in advance because I'm pretty sure they would be impossible to unthread. Other item would be adding shocks.

[Ariz-Pacer]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Very nice. A question....if you do use it in as remote conditions as you say...did you consider mounting the axle below the springs for extra ground clearance?

At the time I was getting it fixed I just wanted it repaired and did not consider that. This Pacer has been on more 4 Wheel trails than most 4 wheel drive vehicles. Since it made it for the first 53 years this way, I reckon it's now good for the next 53 years.

It just trails so good that I would be afraid of messing with it now. The worst thing about the Pacer is that it pulls so easily that you sometimes forget you are pulling it.

AZP

[worldinchaos]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Very nice. A question....if you do use it in as remote conditions as you say...did you consider mounting the axle below the springs for extra ground clearance?

Interesting, I just had to come back to this thread as I discovered this little item at RV surplus...


They also apparently have 3000# 4 leaf 25" springs.

Just saying...