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07-02-2012, 07:52 AM | #1 |
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Spring Spreading Methods
Hi all,
Anyone have a good method of spreading front & rear springs to insert new shackles? I know there's a tool for this, just wondering if there is a cheaper option that is still safe. Probable not, but I just wanted to check. thanks, Banky |
07-02-2012, 08:39 AM | #2 |
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Location: Fort Worth, Texas
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
Best option is to get the tool. All the front ends that I've taken apart, you could get the front spring off without a spreader. But these were out from under the car. You need a spreader of some kind for the rear spring.
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07-02-2012, 09:11 AM | #3 |
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Location: OKC / Tonkawa, Ok.
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
Not the place to go cheap! Get yourself a good spreader for the rear spring. Follow this link to see a some pictures of the one we used to change the spring on my coupe. Rear Spring Replacement
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07-02-2012, 09:25 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: GA
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
Banky, take it from me (first HAND experience) get the rear spring spreader. It may cost more then your emergency room co-pay. But what is the pain worth? Maybe someone in your local model a club has one.
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07-02-2012, 09:45 AM | #5 |
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Location: Olympia, WA
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
Are you around a club? Many have them to loan out. That's how I got one to do my springs.
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07-02-2012, 11:12 AM | #6 |
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
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07-02-2012, 11:33 AM | #7 |
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Location: Wa.
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
I use a porta power. Mine came with an adapter for the rear spring.
If you get a new one you might have to fabricate this. It was $50 on ebay. |
07-02-2012, 02:25 PM | #8 |
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Location: ca.
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
please buy the REAR spreader !! dont want to see you in the obits ! i have a home made one thats very heavy duty & works great . the rear spring is the most dangerous part of the "A" . i know from many experiences !!!!!!!!
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07-02-2012, 02:34 PM | #9 |
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
Don't skimp here... It could be a deadly venture...Big John...
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07-02-2012, 03:03 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 201
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
OK, I am hearing what you're all saying. Now is not the time to cut costs! I'm checking to see if anyone I know has one? Otherwise I'll take the hit and buy one.
Thanks! P.S. Are you all sure a ratchet strap won't work? Hee Hee, no seriously..... |
07-02-2012, 03:07 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,369
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
I took off a spring with a floor jack and a chain once. ONCE! Pretty high pucker factor when things started slipping. Won't take that chance again.
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07-02-2012, 03:14 PM | #12 |
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Location: So Cal
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
I have a pick-up and just stick some short 2X4's between the axle housing and the
end of the springs and shackles and start loading the bed with junk until the spring spreads out and you can pull the shackles out. Works on the front also. I wouldn't risk it on a different body style though. Bob |
07-02-2012, 03:33 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: Sep 2011
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
This may make you all cringe, but removing the shackles was not problem. Have the A on jack stands under the frame, and a jack under the axle. Removed the nuts, and pounded out the bolts. Sprung a few inches of course, but no harm. Did I have a guardian angle that day???
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07-02-2012, 04:35 PM | #14 |
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Location: Lead. South Dakota
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
The safest way is to slide the rearend out from under the car. Then you are not confined in a high energy zone and trusting jack stands. This is one I made using channels and angles. I tried the store bought spreaders and they are not safe in my opinion. This was not expensive to make and there is no welding required. Everything is in compression except the "all thread" bolts.
Those springs have a lot of energy and caution must be used. The center bolt in some of the old springs are rusted in half and can break without warning. The springs should be clamped together with "C" clamps in case the center bolt breaks.
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IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, JB WELD OR DUCT TAPE ---IT CAN NOT BE FIXED Do not get me started on the stupidity of ethanol. I think one of the monitors is from Iowa and he will delete the thread. Last edited by sturgis 39; 07-02-2012 at 04:47 PM. |
07-02-2012, 06:19 PM | #15 |
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
That looks like a great tool, what are the basic measurements on it?
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07-02-2012, 06:49 PM | #16 | |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks Co, Pa
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
I made one Identical to what you're describing. When it let go, it just missed my leg and traveled another twelve feet in to the bushes. The 3/4" 10 threaded rod was bent about twenty degrees. I chickened out of using it alone for installation. I chained it up the spring and used my backhoe to push it down. It slid against a 2 x 4 with a little grease on it. By bringing the rear bucket down slowly and gently, I was able to get it into position to install the shackle. Use your creation on the front spring, but don't try it on the rear! People underestimate the power in these springs. I know cause I underestimated it, I'm lucky that I still have my right leg.
Terry Quote:
Last edited by Terry, NJ; 07-02-2012 at 08:02 PM. |
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07-02-2012, 07:02 PM | #17 | |
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
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07-02-2012, 07:27 PM | #18 |
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Boalsburg, Pa
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
Banky, if you are within a reasonable distance of Central PA, call me at 814-571-7893 and I will gladly loan you my front and/or rear HD spreaders (Mike's truck catalogue Page "Chassis 112" T5301MOD and T5302MOD) rather than see you hurt yourself.
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07-02-2012, 07:54 PM | #19 |
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
OC1Dave......THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE OFFER!!! Really cool of you, that's why I love the Ford Barn and it members.
However, after two round trips I'd be looking at 12 hrs total. Would prob make more sense to buy it. BUT THANKS AGAIN! |
07-02-2012, 08:01 PM | #20 |
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Posts: 201
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Re: Spring Spreading Methods
Hey, anyone every use either of these???
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/858 http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/856 Not priced that bad! |
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