Frame / Springs: hawk spring bushings

[swvalcon]

Anyone know what the width is on the gt hawk spring bushings? I know the diam. front is 1.5 and rear are 7/8 but what about width.

[Alan]

Approx 2.850" The sleeves are the widest part and are not all the same length, depending on who you get them from. Or are you talking about the rubber part, which are 2 1/2".

[swvalcon]

Anyone have a good reason why Studebaker used fine thread bolts on the rear springs eyelets? I'am guessing they must be grade 8 or better but why fine tread?

[StudeRich]

Studebaker used SAE Fine Thread fasteners on many things, but mostly things they did NOT want to FALL APART!

A Fine Thread takes at least Twice as long to work/vibrate it's way off, than a Course thread Bolt and Nut.

[cliffh]

Fine threaded bolts are stronger than the equivalent coarse threaded bolts in both tension and shear since fine threaded bolts have a slightly larger minor diameter.
Cliff

[swvalcon]

That's what I was thinking is that they had to be a bit stronger but boy it sure can't be by much. If it's going to pull apart a coarse tread bolt a fine tread sure wouldn't be far behind.

[52 Ragtop]

Fine threaded bolts are stronger than the equivalent coarse threaded bolts in both tension and shear since fine threaded bolts have a slightly larger minor diameter.
Cliff

A grade 3 bolt is a grade 3 bolt, as is a grade 5 or 8 bolt, threads have nothing to do with the strength of a bolt. I "think" the spring bolts are all grade 5

Jim

[cliffh]

A grade 3 bolt is a grade 3 bolt, as is a grade 5 or 8 bolt, threads have nothing to do with the strength of a bolt. I "think" the spring bolts are all grade 5

Jim

In the shank of the bolt you are correct but the threaded part is slightly stronger with fine threads. This may be more of a factor with bolts in tension such as the bolts holding the lower inner control arm pivot shaft to the crossmember.

http://www.katonet.com/article/coarsevsfine.html

However, I agree with StudeRich, Studebaker probably used fine thread bolts because they have less tendency to loosen under vibration.
Cliff

[swvalcon]

There are also two bolt holes in the front spring mount for the front bushing bolt. One looks to be about a inch above the other. Is this to change the ride height by about a in.?

[Alan]

If you look closely you will find that the bolt is in the upper hole on the Pass. side and the lower hole on the Drivers side. That is because you have the Battery and Driver on that side and if you get a 200 lb. driver you need it.

[swvalcon]

Thanks Alan My frame doesn't have the springs on it yet so that is how I will do it. I take it your saying my fat butt makes one side of the car lean.

[Alan]

Yes, but mine too. I now weigh 210 and the rear springs are 150 lbs. inch.