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07-25-2012, 10:13 PM | #1 |
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Location: Three Forks, MT 59752
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Installing front and rear springs
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.
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07-25-2012, 11:05 PM | #2 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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.
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07-25-2012, 11:09 PM | #3 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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.
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07-25-2012, 11:36 PM | #4 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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 |
07-26-2012, 03:23 AM | #5 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
I just got one of these in the mail yesterday.
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07-26-2012, 07:05 AM | #6 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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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 |
07-26-2012, 07:02 PM | #7 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
Assuming you have the pickup rear spring, consider replacing it with a coupe spring.
So much nicer. |
07-27-2012, 07:27 AM | #8 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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07-27-2012, 09:17 AM | #9 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
What are the benefits of this swap? I see nothing but disadvantages.
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07-27-2012, 10:32 AM | #10 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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.
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07-27-2012, 11:43 AM | #11 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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).
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07-27-2012, 06:43 PM | #12 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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.
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07-27-2012, 07:50 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
Quote:
Charlie Stephens |
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07-27-2012, 09:12 PM | #14 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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. |
07-27-2012, 10:40 PM | #15 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
btt
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IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, JB WELD OR DUCT TAPE ---IT CAN NOT BE FIXED Do not get me started on the stupidity of ethanol. I think one of the monitors is from Iowa and he will delete the thread. |
07-28-2012, 11:14 AM | #16 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
btt
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IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, JB WELD OR DUCT TAPE ---IT CAN NOT BE FIXED Do not get me started on the stupidity of ethanol. I think one of the monitors is from Iowa and he will delete the thread. |
07-28-2012, 07:18 PM | #17 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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.
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07-28-2012, 07:49 PM | #18 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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 |
07-28-2012, 09:45 PM | #19 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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 Last edited by CarlG; 07-28-2012 at 09:59 PM. Reason: Add question |
07-28-2012, 10:29 PM | #20 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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 |
07-29-2012, 06:55 AM | #21 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
I put both my springs together that way - leaf at a time - used a threaded rod and a couple of BIG c-clamps
I wish now I had known about using the slip plate between them (it was 25 yrs ago - back when Fordbarn was probably an old shed Maybe I'll put this on my winter project to do list - |
07-29-2012, 09:40 AM | #22 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
Also, be sure to taper the ends of the leaves so they won't catch each other in the spring pack.
Pete |
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07-29-2012, 06:53 PM | #23 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
Thanks again Tom, BTW Napa has Slip Plate, part #BK33203. Not all stores carry it, but can usually get it in a day or so from their warehouse -- even in Alaska!
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07-29-2012, 09:22 PM | #24 | |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
Quote:
He is absolutely correct. The bottom of each leaf, on the ends, is cut with a 90 degree edge, even the originals. The edge bites into the leaf below and causes a depression. When restoring a spring beside rounding the edge off you should also try to flatten out the depression with a disk sander. Tom Endy |
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08-11-2012, 12:25 PM | #25 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
Thanks everyone for your help. I borrowed the spring spreader from Dean in Bozeman. Worked great. The only other problem I ran into was mounting the front spring. The castle nuts don't go on far enough on the U bolts to insert the cotter pins. Yes all the parts are correct for my 29. Any suggestion or is this a common thing?
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08-11-2012, 02:13 PM | #26 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
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Paul in CT |
08-11-2012, 02:48 PM | #27 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
If the top leaf is a replacement be sure the edges of it are beveled to fit the rounded part in the crossmember.
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08-11-2012, 04:20 PM | #28 |
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Location: Three Forks, MT 59752
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
The front spring is a used 10 leaf that has been powder coated. The bolt is in the hole in the frame. I will check the top leaf.
Thanks for the help! |
08-11-2012, 06:16 PM | #29 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
I bet I am going to be told my whole problem is the thickness of the powder coating. I'll just find shorter castle nuts and make everything work.
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08-11-2012, 11:36 PM | #30 |
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Re: Installing front and rear springs
Yes, powder coat thickness can affect fits. I spent a couple plus hours last week just fitting spring clamps on the lower few leafs on my front spring. I had to file an elongated hole in the clamps and carefully knock down some of the powder coat where it was not visible. ...hope the shorter nuts work for you.
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