Rear spring shackle installation

[1912Krit]

Gentlemen:

I am having trouble lining up the spring and perch to insert the rear shackles.

I have the passengers side (right side) almost in but the rear end seems to be cocked at an angle. Photo shows how drivers side isn't lined up and the distance the spring still has to go.

It looks like I still have a ways to go spreading the spring, but the spreader is getting very tight. If I keep going will the rear end shift into place? Of course it is just connected at the universal. Or should I just try to start over again?
Thanks,
Don

[mass A man]

I think you may have more luck with a "full-length" spreader bar. Are you using one of the "short" type spreader tools?

[1912Krit]

I am using the spreader that goes the length of the spring. I guess I am just getting a bit nervous because of the tension and that the rear end is cocked a little. Photo is of the passengers side where I was able to get the shackle in almost all the way

[1931 flamingo]

Try realigning the rear end.
Paul in CT

[1912Krit]

Do you mean to unbolt the universal so it can move more freely?

[JayJay]

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Just did this a couple of weeks ago. Keep spreading the spring, it will line up. Also, be sure you’re not hung up on the shock ball on the axle housing. Then spread the spring some more. It gets really tough and tight towards the end, then Presto! You’re in.

Be sure you are about equal on the two sides of the spreader, you want to keep it centered on the spring.

[1912Krit]

Thanks JayJay. I will do as you recommend. I was just getting a little nervous about the tension. Doing it equal in both sides. I took out the shackle that was half way in to free the rear end up to move.

Maybe the solution is to install both sides at the same time. The books say do the passengers side first but that didn't work out so well.

Thanks again,
Don

[Benson]

deleted ... since process did not work in this case.

I used a modified version of this process in the 60's that we used 15 or 20 times which did not involve a spring spreader.

[1912Krit]

Thanks Mr Benson, will try your method.
Don

[1912Krit]

Success. Just took me a bit of perseverance in tight quarters. I couldn't use Mr Benson's method. I tried but the bottom lip on the spreader bar is lower than the spring end, so it dug into the wood and wouldn't slide.

I can see how the spring end sliding on the wood can work well.

Thank you gentlemen for your advice and support!!!

[1912Krit]

Photo of spreader

[JayJay]

Glad everything worked out well, Don. It is a satisfying feeling when the shackle slides into place and you can let off the spring spreader.

[1912Krit]

Absolutely! Thank again for the coaching.

[Flathead]

Grease the hell out of them!!