Leaf spring rear-end!!!

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Sacrilege84
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Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#1

Post by Sacrilege84 »

So this whole idea started when i took off all the excess weight (aka dresser stuff) off of the rear section of my 1984 Goldwing Interstate. To me, the look of the frame was fairly stretched! So the only logical thing to do was to cut off the rear shock tower section.

So i connected with my local spring shop Florida Spring and Axle Inc. and got some advice. After alot of questions and tilted heads they were on board. It helps that the owner just so happens to own the exact same model Wing. I also hooked up with a great machine shop willing to take on this task and put up with all of my hair brained ideas.

I have the new axle turned and temporarily installed to get the springs right. My next step is to get the hand cut springs rolled @ the proper measurements. I am going to use nylon races as to not screw up the brand spanky new threads on the axle....plus it will be nice and quiet!
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New axle installed.
New axle installed.
IMG00003-20110115-2331.jpg (183.61 KiB) Viewed 2003 times
Rough cut spring.
Rough cut spring.
IMG00004-20110115-2331.jpg (211.3 KiB) Viewed 2003 times
IMG00005-20110115-2331.jpg
IMG00005-20110115-2331.jpg (196.2 KiB) Viewed 2003 times
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Old Fogey
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#2

Post by Old Fogey »

Sure is a different way of doing things! Might make shaft and rear drive maintenance a little difficult, not to mention when you get a puncture. :(
What are you using for spring damping (shock absorbers)?
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#3

Post by robin1731 »

Old Fogey wrote:What are you using for spring damping (shock absorbers)?
My thought too. All the springs do is hold the rear end up. Or front end on some four wheel drive trucks. You still need shocks to dampen the ride.

This should be interesting.
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Sacrilege84
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#4

Post by Sacrilege84 »

I am getting alot of help from the spring shop. They claim that with the right spring, temper, and shackle arrangement that you can make them act differently when they are compressesd and relaxed. I am leaving this engineering aspect to the experts.

As far as ease of maintenance, the springs are only held to the axle with one bolt on the shackle and the other end is held by one bolt and a u bolt.

But if all else fails, and it ends up being a rigid then the leaf sprung seat should absorb some shock!!!!

As i dont think this has ever been done, that i can find anyway, it should be a learning experience for all involved. Just cause it hasnt been done, doesnt make it impossible, just really damn difficult LOL

Thanks for keepin me thinkin.
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gregforesi
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#5

Post by gregforesi »

On a one-off job like this the best expert should be you. Looks kinda wide right where your foot is gonna go.
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#6

Post by sunnbobb »

I like seeing something done "just because". Thanks for the photos, and looking forward to more.
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#7

Post by gunny1769 »

bitchin!
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#8

Post by Fred Camper »

Very interesting concept, Corvette used a single plastic leaf spring up front in the 1990's and it saved weight and performed quite well. This will be an interesting build as it is a 50-50 risk imo.
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Sacrilege84
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#9

Post by Sacrilege84 »

Yep....to all! I decided to turn the springs over to where they arc up. I think this is going to act as a better way to follow the natural motion of the swing arm, not to mention looks a little better. Got the mounts a little better formed. I decided to go with a little more form to the function.
Attachments
IMG00015-20110117-2254.jpg
IMG00015-20110117-2254.jpg (186.41 KiB) Viewed 1823 times
Kinda flows......I am gonna put fish tail tips on the stock headers to follow form.
Kinda flows......I am gonna put fish tail tips on the stock headers to follow form.
IMG00016-20110117-2254.jpg (198.62 KiB) Viewed 1823 times
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wilf
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#10

Post by wilf »

shure looks bitchin. kinda wondering how you are going to mount the shock?
wilf
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#11

Post by bladredhead »

Sacrilege84 wrote: Image
are you putting a leaf on the left too?
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#12

Post by Sacrilege84 »

Yes a leaf on both sides. Wilf, i am not gonna use shocks. I think with playin around with different stacks and spring thicknesses that i can get a good spring rate where i dont bouce off the bike everytime i hit a bump! The way i look at it, Indian did it without shocks, why cant i?
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#13

Post by Hal »

Sacrilege84 wrote:Yes a leaf on both sides. Wilf, i am not gonna use shocks. I think with playin around with different stacks and spring thicknesses that i can get a good spring rate where i dont bouce off the bike everytime i hit a bump! The way i look at it, Indian did it without shocks, why cant i?
Well....why not? I've got no springs on mine! :mrgreen:

Image

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Sacrilege84
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#14

Post by Sacrilege84 »

Man those are nice and clean.....I like it. If i would have know those exsisted i may not have chopped off the rearend .....oh well. Ka Sera Blah Blah :guitar
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Re: Leaf spring rear-end!!!

#15

Post by ericheath »

Doesn't that have a spring on the inside? Along with the gas.
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