I thought this was interesting.., any comments would be appreciated:
I am working on cleaning up the rear suspension on my 29-U Plymouth and my rear leaf spring shackles are marked WME Pat. 1921 - 25 They look and work exactly like the Tryon Shackles. I could not find any reference to a Manufacturing Co. WME in my 1924 Chilton Automobile Directory. Another Mystery ??
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.1948plymouth.info%2F1929%2Fimages%2FBuild%2FSuspension_036.jpg&hash=f6fa67d71b3045c00a2dc57d3f62985c42abbb31)
Also the leaf spring shackle plates are marked Right (Passenger) and Left (Driver's Side). I have yet to determine if there is any difference.
Cheers Chet...
I wonder what auto they were used for first, as there were no Plymouths in 1921-'25, very interesting. Maxwell maybe?
Hi Bob
Back in the day there were many part manufacturers. Most parts were off the shelf and used in many different cars. I was wondering about this manufacturer's mark WME. Although Maxwell might be a good guess for an eBay search. I'll give it a shot.
Perplexing Issue:
I was preparing to install my new rear springs and while cleaning up the parts I noticed that the rear shackles were different in length.
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.1948plymouth.info%2F1929%2Fimages%2FBuild%2FSuspension_040.jpg&hash=1b4b3d18171e0c9764854533eed0a779f635fab2)
It appears that the passenger side of my car had some early suspension repairs. If you recall the front passenger side had a different shackle and a welded top leaf. Now I find that the rear springs have different length shackles. Passenger side (WME) approximately 3" between pin centers and the Driver's Side approximately 3.5" between pin centers ?? Which is correct.
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.1948plymouth.info%2F1929%2Fimages%2FBuild%2FSuspension_038.jpg&hash=7f2e9679cbbc4b7f2fbbdcef7d203dcaaf01fb72)
Also the larger driver's side shackle had a marking on the center bolt. [R] ??
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.1948plymouth.info%2F1929%2Fimages%2FBuild%2FSuspension_039.jpg&hash=4d3b08c3242274dbdc221cca7ba7a34c5bc2d652)
I assume that these differences are why my car always sat a little lopsided.
Can anyone verify which length shackle is correct for a 29 4dr. Sedan. You can check your car easily by measuring between the grease fittings they sit in the approximate centers of the pins.
Many thanks in advance, Chet...
I took a look at Andy Bernbaum's website and he lists rear spring assemblies for
Plymouths back to 1928. Catalog states that you have to call for prices. Call him and ask if
there is a difference between the driver's side and passenger's side rear shackle. He may even
have a correct shackle to match what you need.
Thanks Bill,
I was able to find out through other Plymouth owners that the 3" shackle was correct for my car. It turns out that the 3.5" shackle is for a similar period dodge truck. This makes sense to me because the 3.5" shackle was a much stronger item. It seemed like over kill for my 'U'. I was also able to trade for a good WME 3" shackle with a guy that need the 3.5" for his vintage truck. A win win situation + postage.
I had new springs manufactured by Eaton Detroit Spring. The front came out so perfect that I couldn't resist doing the same for the rear. My car should be ready for the next 100 years.
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.1948plymouth.info%2F1929%2Fimages%2FBuild%2FSuspension_041.jpg&hash=dd3fba7543db501ca4e5b5db1860c1a5652745b1)
I installed most of this yesterday. Just need to install the shackle I received in the mail and grease everything. I believe this final installation fixes a number of problems with my suspension. Maybe the different shackle was installed to compensate for the broken & welded front leaf spring. A poor attempt at getting the car to sit right on the road ??
Anyway its fixed proper now.
Bill, thanks for your help, Chet...
I used Eaton Spring also for my Plymouth, very pleased. I am pleased that you got the shackles and all figured out
Quote from: RC Drown on November 10, 2017, 06:57:57 AM
I used Eaton Spring also for my Plymouth, very pleased. I am pleased that you got the shackles and all figured out
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the kind words. I guess you are getting ready for the winter snow season. Are you still plowing the roads ? I'm sure that we will soon see the traditional Christmas pictures and the old Plymouth.
Stay warm, Chet...
nope, no working for the town this winter, my wife's health says for me to stay home and I also may need my second open heart surgery in a year next month, this time on my mitral valve, so no work, although I miss it very much.
Chet,
Boy, do those springs look great. Eaton does some nice work. Your Plymouth is going to ride so nice.
Bob,
You and your wife are in our thoughts. We pray you and your wife's health will improve soon.
Bob,
I echo Bill's words, hopefully the Christmas Season will bring your family joy and good fortune.
Chet...
my thanks to both of you for the well wishes to my wife and I
Chet: for having us part his perfectionism and Bob for his Christmas Card!
Bob: Beautiful foto indeed!
You have strong artistical talents!
All the best for Your both health!
Greetings from D?sseldorf!
Go
thanks Go, but I can't take all the credit for that photo, yes, it's one I took, but a FB in California made it what it is now. also thanks for the well wishes, they are greatly appreciated