Tailwheel leaf spring

[Ron B.]

It's probably right in front of my face , but I've searched this site for a Pawnee 1 3/4" tailspring part number that will fit an exp. PA-18. Many post say to use a three leaf 1 3/4" spring but don't specify a part #. Also when the part books specify one hole , two hole and three hole , they can't be counting the hole that holds the tailwheel or the hole that bolts to the frame? Other wise there would not be a one hole spring.
I would like to go with a Pawnee type , 1 3/4" three leaf spring. I need a AN6 hole to bolt it the PA-18 frame and plan to mount a Alaskan Bushwheel tailwheel to it. I'm thinking of purchasing it from Univair , they might be able to answer this but I felt I would make sure, I will be getting the right part for the job. Besides it makes one look smart if he has the part # when he calls one of these places. You guys already know I'm not smart, they don't have to know!!!

 

[michael curtin]

send me a PM ,I had the some problem more or less yesterday Mike

 

[Fabman]

I always bush the hole in the frame for an AN7. The hole in the spring is 7/16, lots of slop with an AN6. Bigger is better in this case

 

[Ron B.]

Fabman
Could you not make a small bushing and install it into the springs and keep the AN 6 bolt?
RON

 

[Ron B.]

As I use this site for a lot of information, I'll post what I'm finding, for others to use later, (not saying what I post will be correct, check it out).
The leaf spring I'm going to use is a Pawnee 1 3/4" single hole three leaf springs. The hole for mounting the spring to the fuselage in a Pawnee is for a AN 7 bolt. The hole on a PA-18 should be for an AN6 bolt. It might be possible to enlarge the frame hole but it depends on the diameter of the bushing (if your AC has a bushing, which is advisable to have). The standard Pawnee tailwheel has a two hole mount set up. A Pawnee spring is also available with one hole only, so it will fit a PA-18 single hole tailwheel, ( this is what I'm about to order). The Pawnee spring usually has four leafs , but three is also available. The part # I come up with for the spring is PA25TWS1-3L.
Ron

 

[Fabman]

Ron B,
That would work fine. I have seen, a number of times, the bushing wear out. Then leafs do a number on the AN 6 bolt. I also know not everyone has acess to a tig welder to weld the bushing in. If you do, the AN7 is the way to go. Especially if your landing on rough strips consistently.

 

[Ron B.]

Don
The aircraft is now flying , as covered. Drilling is still possible but welding is out. I looked yesterday and on my Smith's kit , the hole is into a piece of what looks like 1" square tubing. I plan on calling Nick and ask hom just what it is, before drilling.
Ron