Hi all,
I'm getting around to replacing the rear leaf springs on my 3A and decided to use NOS, M38 springs. I've read the previous discussions about the merits and drawbacks of these springs and have opted for them because my 3A is a working Willys and I haul loads in it under less-than-ideal road conditions. I also want the reliability, over the long haul, of well-tempered American steel from nearly 70 years ago.
Two Questions:
1) I've pressed out the steel sleeved rubber bushing on the forward pivot eye and replaced it with the bronze bushing to accept the 3A/2A greaseable bolt. The OD on the bronze bushing was a little less than the ID of the spring eye. I've made up the difference for a snug fit by wrapping the bushing in thin sheet metal, but it's not my first choice. Are M38 spring eyes different ID than CJ's or do these bronze bushings vary in OD? I saw one supplier that offered a steel sleeved bronze bushing for 2A/3A's (can't find it right now for reference).
2) On the aft end of the spring the ID of the spring eye is .013 smaller than the "C" shackle bearing - the bearing is approx. 7/8". The shackle bearing is such a tight fit, I can't get it in far enough to engage with the threads on the shackle. I've thought of reaming the spring eye, but I don't want to go taking away material that I can't replace - and that steel will be really hard to ream. I've also thought of slamming the bearing in with a hammer, to get it in far enough to engage with the shackle threads - but I wanted to see what the Forum wisdom is on this before I start whaling on things. I've also consulted M38 TM 9-8012 and the Willys Manual and haven't found any satisfactory answers.
To top it all off, there seems to be a shortage of "C" shackles - Suppliers seem to be out. I'm using some take-offs I had in my Willys spare parts pile. I believe the shackle bushing is an original, since the end is recessed, so I think I can rule out bad foreign machining on on repops.
