Removing rear spring
 

I have read Les Andrews book and other articles on removing the rear spring.. For you that have done this how high do you have to lift the frame to remove the spring? Don’t know if I should take this on or not but can borrow the spring spreader so ?

Re: Removing rear spring
 

Others will comment but I know this from experience:

You need three things for sure.
1. A good spring spreader made for the Model A Ford.
2. Serious jack stands to go under the frame on both sides of the car (rear).
3. A chain to wrap around the old spring in case the center bolt decides to let go during removal.


If you don't have these items don't attempt the job.

Re: Removing rear spring
 

I didn't go all the way with removing the spring, but to take the load off the spring what I did was:

1. Loosen the lug nuts
2. Prepare some jack stands at their max extension
3. Put a floor jack under the differential
4. Raise the differential until the frame is at the level of the jack stands
5. Get the jack stands under the frame
6. Remove the wheels
7. Lower the floor jack

At this point there is no weight on the spring; you should be able to attach the spreader, remove the U-bolts and shackles, and pull it out.

Re: Removing rear spring
 

There is still pressure on spring when it is extended release spring with spreader

Re: Removing rear spring
 

attach spreader before taking axle out for safety

Re: Removing rear spring
 

The first picture is when I was putting it back together...you don't need it very high, I used a couple fairly tall jack stands. The bed is off because I also replaced the rear cross member..

You will need to support the axle also..I used short jack stands for that.

Do as Les recommends and contain that spring with sturdy c-clamps and chains. Do not assume that the center bolt will hold it together.

I removed some leaves so I also removed and replaced the bolt..

Re: Removing rear spring
 

Thanks all for the replies and the pictures. They helped get an idea of the height. Have to get a couple taller jack stands and give it a try. Thanks,David

Re: Removing rear spring
 

I had an accident removing my rear spring/axle. I had removed the rear spring and axle and they were both laying on the garage floor. With the home made spring spreader tight on the springs and the shackles now being loose, I proceeded in taking the shackles out. The first shackle came out easily. I should have released the spring tension after the first shackle came out. But I didn't. The second shackle needed a drift punch to drive it out. With the first blow of the hammer on the drift punch, like a bomb going off, the spring spreader shot out of the spring and the spring spreader hit my shins. Large lacerations and bruised bones resulted. Weeks of healing followed. Please be careful.

Re: Removing rear spring
 

The rear spring on a Model A can be lethal. Be careful. See attached article.

Tom Endy

Re: Removing rear spring
 

I was thinking (dangerous)of removing the spring without removing the axle, just dropping it some. Tom, I have read your article. Very helpful. I should have all the chains, spreader, and clamps necessary. Starting to sound like something someone with experience should do. Thanks again

Re: Removing rear spring
 

Sounds like you want to remove only the spring for the purpose of restoration or replacement. This can be done by installing the spring spreader to capture the tension. Unhook the shackle bolts and lower the rear axle assembly out of the way. Next collapse the spring spreader and remove it. The spring is then no longer lethal. There is a small amount of tension left in it, but it is negligible.

Unbolt the two U-bolts and the spring can be removed from the car. Take it to a work bench and you can disassemble it by putting a C-clamp next to the center bolt to aid in the disassembly. You do not need any chains. The purpose of the C-clamp is only to allow the nut on the end of the bolt to be easily spun off without fighting the small amount of tension. You may have to grind the end of the bolt first as it will likely be peened over. As you release the C-clamp the remaining small amount of tension will be released.

When reassembling install a new center bolt. Most suppliers sell them twice as long as needed. The purpose being to allow the spring to be pulled together against the small amount of tension. Here again use the C-clamp to pull it together. When the nut is tight cut off the extra length and peen the end , Make sure you have the square of the bolt oriented correctly to fit in the square of the cross member.

Reinstall in the car in the reverse manner you took it out.

Make sure you use a proper spring spreader.

Tom Endy

Tom Endy

Re: Removing rear spring
 

SS those are the stories that make me wonder if I should do this. Have some good information above so hopefully I can do it.

Re: Removing rear spring
 

It can be done but take the advise above. It can be a "widow" maker.

Re: Removing rear spring
 

Put c clamps on spring and wrap spring with strong rope or chain .slowly remove center bolt and see springs come ..be careful as they are under lots of pressure...loosen c clamps slowly until spring tension is gone..remove all leaves except main leaf that attached to axle..put a strong board or metal plate with hole and bolt under and thru main leaf ..tighten and it will releave tension on shackles ..remove and you are done..nice to have a spring spreader but not needed if you don't have one...sc

Re: Removing rear spring
 

This is how I do it and don’t use a spring spreader.
Assemble/disassemble in place.
Much easier to (un)install the main leaf then add/remove the rest.
Still requires caution.

Re: Removing rear spring
 

If I was you I would do as Tom Endy says.