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Old 03-29-2018, 08:13 AM   #1
rer_239
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Default rear spring install

anybody ever put a rear spring in by weighting down the frame. i don't have access to a spreader
thanks
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Old 03-29-2018, 08:15 AM   #2
kenparker
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Default Re: rear spring install

Beg, Borrow or Buy you a spring spreader. Do it safely. Dem tings can kill u. kenp
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Old 03-29-2018, 08:37 AM   #3
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Default Re: rear spring install

I bought a spreader used it once and than sold it. They are easy to sell
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Old 03-29-2018, 09:00 AM   #4
Ray in La Mesa
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Default Re: rear spring install

Yes, bolt it in the crossmember snug, making sure the center bolt slips in to the square hole in the crossmember. Hook up one shackle and rest other end on 2x4 till you can insert the other shackle. Might need to add a bit of weight to the body. Tighten U bolts & insert cotter keys.
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Old 03-29-2018, 09:05 AM   #5
Benson
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Default Re: rear spring install

Quote:
Originally Posted by rer_239 View Post
anybody ever put a rear spring in by weighting down the frame. i don't have access to a spreader
thanks
rer_239

In early 60's I did it many times ... well a very similar thing.

There was a steel I beam in garage that was strong enough to take upward pressure.

Put car on jack stands with wheels hanging down.

Note with axle hanging down place a 1 foot long 2 by 4 under the spring eye and on top of axle on each side so eye will have something to slide on as you compress spring with floor jacks.

Removed spare tire on coupe.

Place a 2 by 12 same length as car is wide, across rear bumper.

Placed a 4 by 4 on each end of 2 by 12 going up to I beam.

Place two floor jacks or scissors jack, ONE at each end of axle near backing plates.

The idea is to hold down body with 4 by 4s while you use a jack at each side of axle tubes near wheels to compress the spring until tension is relieved.

The 2 by 4s on top of axle are important so that spring eyes move sideways and NOT down in an arc as spring is compressed.

THis was my solution as a 16 year old...

Last edited by Benson; 03-29-2018 at 10:38 AM.
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Old 03-29-2018, 09:08 AM   #6
katy
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I've done it, R&Rd, no problems, wood blocks under the spring ends. Just go slow and careful.
First time I did it I was 16 years old and figured out how to do it as I had to replace the LH axle and I was all by myself.
Did it a couple of years ago on our '31 CCPU and needed about 750 lbs to compress that big spring.
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Old 03-29-2018, 12:59 PM   #7
john in illinois
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Default Re: rear spring install

I take rear axle out. I use 2 large C clamps on each side of spring, remove center bolt and substitute long bolt for safety. slowly release spring pressure with clamps.

After spring is apart main leaf is easy to remove from shackles. To install reverse.

I have a spring spreader that I normally use but my roadster has a V8 rear axle and a spreader will not fit.

John
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Old 03-29-2018, 01:13 PM   #8
BillCNC
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Default Re: rear spring install

Find someone local to you with a spreader. As said before, ... They Can Kill You!

If you were close by, you could use mine but your clear across the country.

Regards
Bill
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Old 03-29-2018, 01:45 PM   #9
rocket1
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Default Re: rear spring install

The rear spring can be very dangerous,it can kill.I made my own,steel plate threaded rods and angled pipe for sleeves,I still winced when I started spreading the spring and breathed a sigh of relief when the both shackles were fastened.
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Old 03-29-2018, 06:46 PM   #10
Tacoma Bob
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Default Re: rear spring install

I wrap the spring with a heavy chain. Whatever way you go have a safety person. can't be too careful with the damn things. Lots of stored energy.
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Old 03-29-2018, 08:10 PM   #11
walls
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Default Re: rear spring install

Main leaf first, then bolt the others on.

All at once, I wouldn’t try without a spreader.
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Old 03-30-2018, 08:57 AM   #12
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Default Re: rear spring install

Quote:
Originally Posted by rer_239 View Post
anybody ever put a rear spring in by weighting down the frame. i don't have access to a spreader
thanks
rer_239
The question is about installing the assembled spring not assembling the spring. As suggested above, install one shackle, put a 2X4 under the free end and compress the spring with weights or might try GOOD ratcheting load straps on each side to pull it down till you can install the other shackle.
As the spring is installed and held in place it can't fly apart.
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Old 04-05-2018, 04:23 AM   #13
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Default Re: rear spring install

I've used the take apart the leaves method and used a port a power from Harbor Freight.
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Old 04-05-2018, 04:40 AM   #14
rer_239
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Default Re: rear spring install

thanks guys for the info. finally got it in.
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