A big job ahead
 

I was just on this site with my Pitnam arm fix and now I have a new problem while working on the pitman arm I saw the drag link was rubbing on the tie rod. looking at the Les Andrews books I did the required measurements and as such determined the front spring should be replaced.i found on this site A-Spring made in the U.S.A. was the best. is this a big job, can some tell me if the Les Andrews replacement instructions are enough or are there some other things I should be aware of. thanks again THE HOOCH

Re: A big job ahead
 

It's not too bad, but you need to find a spring spreader you can borrow.

Re: A big job ahead
 

Ditto Whirnot! With a spring spreader, replacement of the front spring is relatively simple.

Re: A big job ahead
 

I did both front and rear springs last year. You don't need a spring spreader to remove and replace the front spring. You just need a medium sized C-clamp to assemble the leaves of the front spring. Follow Les Andrews instructions and you'll have no problems. Easy one man job.

Re: A big job ahead
 

Like Al says.
Paul in CT The rear spring is a different story.

Re: A big job ahead
 

Agree that Travis at A Springs is the best option.

While you can do without a spring spreader I feel its safer and easier to use one. If you dont have one check with your local MARC region and see if someone has one you can borrow.

-Tim

Re: A big job ahead
 

WTSHNN: The front spring is not under much tension, a spring spreader is NOT needed.

Re: A big job ahead
 

thanks for the info. I do have a spring spreader and I also have a varity of c - clamps, both large and small. So I'll just follow Les Andrews . Now I just have to order the spring and get going on it. Thanks for the help once again. THE HOOCH

Re: A big job ahead
 

Re: A big job ahead
 

As I remember when I knocked the shackle out of my front spring, nothing happened other than the spring dropped down on the axle. Of course the front end was not under the car. Never took one loose while under the car!

Re: A big job ahead
 

Support the front of the car with jacks stands under the frame.


With a floor jack under the center of the front axle, jack up the axle just a little to take the pressure off the shackles. Remove the shackle on one end of the spring. Remove the U bolt bottom plate and lower the front axle just a little so the spring is free from the cross member. Remove the other shackle and remove the spring.


Watch and do not bend down on the front brake rods, you may want to un-attach them at the front clevis.


Reverse the above instructions to replace the spring. You may have to place a thin block of wood on top of the axle under the eye of the spring to help with alignment when installing the last shackle.


I have used this method for a very long time with very good success. It is fast, easy and most important safe as you do not have a spring spreader.


Chris W.

Re: A big job ahead
 

Front spring not a problem, do as # 11 says, the rear spring is a different animal where you need to be careful Good luck.