Installing front and rear springs

[FirstA]

I am getting ready to put the axles under my 29 cc pickup restoration. I had a thought about installing the springs. My springs are still apart. Has anyone just attached the main leaf to the shackles and then put the rest of the spring together? It seems like an easy method that would not require a spring spreader. Am I missing something? All comments are welcome.

[Tom Wesenberg]

It's been done, but you still need to install the center bolt and draw them tight. If you use grease and graphite like I do it gets much harder this way.

[Bassman/NZ]

I always put the main leaf on first. Then I get a length of all-thread and a couple of nuts, assemble it with the all thread and wind it up tight. Put two 8" G clamps on it, remove the all-thread and insert the thru bolt. Easy. Never had a spring spreader in decades of messing with old Fords.

[Tom Endy]

The front spring is not a problem. The rear spring, however, can be lethal. Most folks don't realize how much energy is packed into the spring when it is spread to the distance to be able to attach to the rear axle assembly.

The safe way is to obtain a proper spring spreader. Attach the completely assembled un-spread spring to the cross member with the U-bolts first. Then attach the spring spreader and spread the spring until you can attach the rear axle assembly. You can get a proper spring spreader from Snyder for about $85. I recommend you not use the one they sell that only spreads one side of the spring. This type is dangerous.

Tom Endy

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Tom Endy

...The safe way is to obtain a proper spring spreader...

I just got one of these in the mail yesterday.

[dean from bozeman]

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Howdy FirstA,

I live outside of Bozeman so I am just down the road from you. I have a spring spreader that you can borrow. Call me 406-579-9444.

Dean

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

Assuming you have the pickup rear spring, consider replacing it with a coupe spring.
So much nicer.

[Not George]

Originally Posted by dean from bozeman

Howdy FirstA,

I live outside of Bozeman so I am just down the road from you. I have a spring spreader that you can borrow. Call me 406-579-9444.

Dean

Way to go Dean!

[LukeDahlinger]

Originally Posted by Bruce,Upstate NY

Assuming you have the pickup rear spring, consider replacing it with a coupe spring.
So much nicer.

What are the benefits of this swap? I see nothing but disadvantages.

[TinCup]

If you haven't already you should consider using Slip Plate for the springs. We have rebuilt several springs in the last year and have found that it works very well. It is available in spray or quart cans from NAPA.

[dean from bozeman]

FirstA, Richard, gave me a call after seeing my reply on Fordbarn. After I find my spring spreader I will head out to Three Forks and meet with Richard. It'll be nice to meet a fellow Model Aer, particularly one who lives so close (<40 miles).

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

Luke, regarding the coupe rear spring: the pickup spring with the two thick bottom leaves rides super hard without a couple hundred pounds in the back. I use the coupe spring for a great and can still haul a good load. Try each and see the difference.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by LukeDahlinger

What are the benefits of this swap? I see nothing but disadvantages.

I replaced the rear spring in my '31 RDPU with one from a roadster. If I ever decide to use it as a truck I may have a problem, until then the ride is great. What do you see as disadvantages other than reduced carrying capacity if you want to use it as a truck?

Charlie Stephens

[LukeDahlinger]

Mainly the reduced ability to carry a load. Not only that, but I think Pickups look better a little high in the ass end. I haul everything in my Pickup from a buggy full of groceries to scrap metals & diesel truck parts I pick up at the machine shop.

My Pickup rides pretty good with the original spring, but I took it apart and rounded the edges of the springs so they slide easily and put a mixture of graphite & grease on the leaves before assembly.

[sturgis 39]

btt

[sturgis 39]

btt

[CarlG]

OK, so today I received the new front spring I ordered from Snyders. I assume that I need to paint, lube or whatever, but of course there were no instructions with it. This is the "show quality" spring that is suppose to be "ready to drop in". Any suggestions? I'm afraid that if I put it in like it is that it will be one rusty hulk in no time -- but maybe not.

[Tom Endy]

Take the spring apart and see what if looks like. If it is already rusted you should wire wheel or bead blast it. Spray a coat of Slip Plate between each leaf. Slip Plate goes on like paint and dries very quickly. Bolt it together and wipe the sides and top and bottom with solvent and spray it all with black paint. I use the professional grade of Rustoleum. It also helps to keep them clean if you install the naugahide covers most dealers sell.

Tom Endy

[CarlG]

Thanks Tom, Exactly what I needed. Off to NAPA to get some Slip Plate!

Oh, and should I coat both mating surfaces with the Slip Plate, or just one would be enough?
Thanks

[Tom Endy]

Slip Plate is marketed by John Deere in some states. Bratton carries it under part number 7250 and calls it graphite lube. Spray it to the underside of the second leaf and work your way to the top.

Tom Endy