Is this a good way?
 

I am restoring the front end on my assembly bench rather than on the car. Seems like it's a lot easier.

All assembled now, but was wondering what you thought about attaching only the bottom leaf of the front spring on the shackles. Assemble the two shackles, the add each leaf and clamps the insert the square head center bolt and tighten down until the spring forms into place.

Seems like it would be easier to spread only one leaf to be able to insert the two shackles rather than spread the whole assembly.

I've seen images of this.

Larry Jenkins

Re: Is this a good way?
 

That would work. I always assemble the spring, then install it. The front doesn't have the punch the rear spring has, so it's pretty easy to install.

Re: Is this a good way?
 

The front spring lower leaf can be spread and a pipe spreader inserted then then assemble it. That would be easier than trying to spread to meet the shackles on the axle.

A's Always
Dave

Re: Is this a good way?
 

Larry, be DANGED sure your center bolt has enough threaded area to clamp the leaves together, TIGHT!! This happened to a friend, & WHAT do you imagine he said?------+#*%^##$&*(+=&%#$^%(^%$$#$$$^^#%^&*+^^*#$&^#$%^IIII+*%$^^&&*^%$$$+*%@$ ^***^&%%%)---He iivented FOUL wurds thet I NEVVER hurd of!!---Worse still, it was a thick rear spring, with "NINETEEN" LEAFS!!!!!!!
Bill W.