I know that the Ford wagons of the early sixties came with a beefier rear leaf spring , along with 1/2 wider steel rims, compared to the full size Galaxy passenger car's . I don't know what year that Ford stated to do this, but dose any one know if the 1955 thur 1957 Chevrolet Wagons had a heaver rear leaf spring. Also there's a company called "Eaton Spring" which I have had good luck with on other car's . They were an original OEM supplier from back in the day, and are still making them today.
yes, an extra leaf.
Dave thanks, for the info.Dom
Speaking from experience here...I had a 57 9 passenger wagon that I sold just a few years ago.
It had 6 leafs (from the factory) on the rear.
I ended up removing one (the shortest leaf at the bottom) because it rode so stiff. I rarely had it loaded with passengers, so I wanted to soften the ride up a bit.
55-57 cars had 4 leaf springs, 5 leaf were a heavy duty option.
55-57 wagons had 5 leaf springs, 6 leaf were a heavy duty option.
Just got back from helping my restorer friend "Bob" with removing's the rear axel and leaf springs from the 1957 Nomad that he is restoring for me. The rear leaf spring in this wagon has 6 leafs .The Nomad's body is now in primer, with the stripped floor pan ready for the Red Oxide.