Rear spring spreader tool

[Wilbur]

I plan to remove the rear spring from my 29 Fordor and see that the use of a spring spreader is necessary. First off, is this true? I have removed model T springs without one, many times. Secondly, if I need one, I'd rather make it than buy it.

Can someone post a picture of the spreader with some measurements and a close up of the business end which bites the spring? I removed the front spring last week and lubricated it. It made such a drastic difference in the ride, that I now want to do the same thing to the rear spring. Thanks.

[Mike V. Florida]

This is from Jim Mason's site


And here are the details from Larry Seeman the guy that built it;

http://www.icehouse.net/overland/springspreader.html

[Tom Endy]

You definitely should use a spring spreader. The rear spring can be lethal. The photo shows the economy model that is on the market. Snyder carries them for under $100. The more expensive model is much the same, but has thrust bearings under the large nuts and has feet retainers, sells for about $135 from most suppliers. Both are equally safe.

You should also spread the spring while it is still attached to the frame of the car. Pulling the rear end and then applying the spreader is extremely dangerous (people do it all the time). In this case if the head of a rusted 80 year old center bolt were to pop off you could have spring leaves flying 20 feet in the air.

Tom Endy

[Clydes 31 P/U]

I now have one like Tom has pictured. I got a "traveling" spreader in a box of stuff I bought and tried to use that, it slipped off the head of the banjo bolt after the shackle was off, it "traveled" into the cement about 6 inches from my head. It left a pretty good sized divit in the concrete and I thought I was going to leave a stain on the floor. God was watching out for me that day.

[Wilbur]

Excellent. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

[CarlG]

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Here's the one I have

[Afan]

Am am new here and am happy I signed up.....I never would have fiqured this out.

[Wilbur]

Carl, did you make that one?

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Wilbur

Carl, did you make that one?

No, I bought it from a guy that makes them and sells them on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Model-A...b003b0&vxp=mtr

[Jerry Huntngton Beach]

I would be happy to lend mine. Looks just like Tom's. All you need to pay is postage.

Jerry Hunngton Beach

[Wilbur]

Jerry, thanks for the offer, but i'm over near Atlantic City, NJ. Being a weldor by trade, I can knock this out in an hour or so.

[1937pickup]

I use a porta power on "newer Fords" from the 30s-looks like the Model A spring is similar.