The Ford Barn

mrtexas · 08-17-2014, 07:25 PM

What is the safe procedure to use to replace the rear leaf springs on a 49?

I've replaced buggy springs on a 36 but not parallel leafs on a 49. I suspect the rear springs are worn out as the car sits out of level in the front. Temporarily I have cut 3/4 of a coil out of the passenger side but would like to fix the real cause of the problem. BTW how can I make sure the rear springs are causing the problem. Would hate to replace the rear springs and the frame is bent or some other problem.

George/Maine · 08-17-2014, 08:21 PM

Well in a boat they put lead to keep level. Put 2 jack stands up front and see if its level. Maybe the guy had a fat woman.

JSeery · 08-17-2014, 09:01 PM

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Need to check it out. Check the frame for straight and level, then check the rear springs. If you don't know how to check these items might consider taking it to a shop that can check it for you. It's really not that hard to do if you have a flat and level work space. Support the frame at the four corners at a common location from side to side. First if it is real bad it will not even set on the stands, one will be up. Then check the frame from the bottom of the frame rails to the floor and see if everything is consistent side to side. Look for damage. You can also check diagonally to see if it's square. Helps if you look up the frame measurements. You should be able to check the rear springs for arch and see if they match.
Changing the rear springs is similar to any modern car, support the weight of the car and disconnect the spring hangers and then the front of the spring and the axle.

08-17-2014, 07:25 PM	#1
mrtexas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 4,420	Replacing rear leaf springs What is the safe procedure to use to replace the rear leaf springs on a 49? I've replaced buggy springs on a 36 but not parallel leafs on a 49. I suspect the rear springs are worn out as the car sits out of level in the front. Temporarily I have cut 3/4 of a coil out of the passenger side but would like to fix the real cause of the problem. BTW how can I make sure the rear springs are causing the problem. Would hate to replace the rear springs and the frame is bent or some other problem.

08-17-2014, 08:21 PM	#2
George/Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mid coast Maine Posts: 1,878	Re: Replacing rear leaf springs Well in a boat they put lead to keep level. Put 2 jack stands up front and see if its level. Maybe the guy had a fat woman.

08-17-2014, 09:01 PM	#3
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: Replacing rear leaf springs Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Need to check it out. Check the frame for straight and level, then check the rear springs. If you don't know how to check these items might consider taking it to a shop that can check it for you. It's really not that hard to do if you have a flat and level work space. Support the frame at the four corners at a common location from side to side. First if it is real bad it will not even set on the stands, one will be up. Then check the frame from the bottom of the frame rails to the floor and see if everything is consistent side to side. Look for damage. You can also check diagonally to see if it's square. Helps if you look up the frame measurements. You should be able to check the rear springs for arch and see if they match. Changing the rear springs is similar to any modern car, support the weight of the car and disconnect the spring hangers and then the front of the spring and the axle.