compressing rear spring
 

Just wanted to thank Jim Parker from Toronto Canada for his good advise in regards to compressing the rear spring(all ten). I attached the main spring by hand with minor wrestling. I greased each spring and attached Teflon tape. I inserted a 12 inch piece of threaded rod and compressed the springs, with a box end and one finger, down to where I could clamp them and install the factory nut and bolt. Then I alternated clamps and center bolt till I could insert the assembly on the frame and finish up with the u-bolts. All very easily done with control. I kept a safety chain wrapped around the springs threw the process. Very good technique!
Thanks Jim
TD

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Suweeeet. Nice way to go.
Paul in CT

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Glad it all worked out safely for you! It's so easy to get hurt..... Jim

Re: compressing rear spring
 

I have used this process for many years. In fact, just 2 months ago, used this process on a 6 leaf trailer spring. To repeat the obvious, there is a lot of force stored ion a compressed leaf spring, using chains and also the
option of a cable come-a-long are good ways to restrain.

Re: compressing rear spring
 

I'll drop in a pic of the spring ready to insert in the frame with the clamps on tomorrow - it will clarify the process to anyone contemplating this technique.
Thanks for the roses
TD

Re: compressing rear spring
 

here's some pic's of the spring ready to slip in the frame. Nice big clamps, factory (new) bolt down the middle. Just install, trim the Teflon tape and clean up. Hey - is that my grandson tearing a backing plate off the front axle? Oh don't you know he's loving every moment. (got to start em young!!)

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Just another word to the wise... buy your grandson a shop coat before he gets grease and oil all over those nice clean clothes. His mother will yell at you... ask me how I know! :D

Re: compressing rear spring
 

TD,
Did you dissassemble them the reverse of putting them back together?

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Yes, removed u-bolts and dropped out of the frame. Then safety chain and clamps before removal of the center spring bolt. I actually cut and removed the center bolt (rusted) and replaced it with threaded bolt. Then slow process of backing off clamps, bolt, and adjusting chain. Took my time and stayed safe. The long threaded bolt is very helpful at the end of the process as it doesn't go slack until it is all expanded about a foot.
Best case sanerio is to remove the main spring from the shackels with a sPreader and back off the assembly from there. Either way keep a safety chain ( or two) or a cable wrapped around the springs at all times.

Re: compressing rear spring
 

The two springs that come out of the 10 leaf to make it an 8 leaf spring make a huge difference. Dismantling and 8 spring their is much less tension on the spring. I have changed both types in the last 90 days. I personally wouldn't handle a unit that is in a car without a quality spring spreader.

Re: compressing rear spring
 

There it is!

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Sorry for hijacking the thread, but Tincup mentioned it. I have a 29 roadster pickup with a 10 leaf rear spring that is really stiff. Which leaves should I remove from the rear spring to lighten it up a little bit?
Thanks,
Jon

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Counting the top, smallest, beveled spring as #1, remove #2 and #4. This will give you the 8 leaf configuration for a coupe.

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Thanks Rusty,
Jon

Re: compressing rear spring
 

That is the way I have always done it too, nice job and pics.

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Courtesy of Marco,

Re: compressing rear spring
 

OOPS!! Wrong leaves. Sorry, but on a reply to JBR's post #12 I said remove #'s 3 & 5 from the top for the coupe configuration. It should have been 2 & 4. Thanks TinCup for posting Marco's ID pic. I couldn't find it this afternoon. PM going to JBR for my mistake. Thanks, Rusty

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Thanks van speed!

Re: compressing rear spring
 

Help, I am the dumb one here. Could you please tell me what the color lines mean? I assume the A B C D E mean different types of cars and the leaves left in for the type of car???? If so what color for what type of car???

Re: compressing rear spring
 

not as dumb as me,i`m still trying to work it out lol lol