Leaf Spring Installation

[Tom L.]

Does anyone have any clever ideas about how to flatten the spring out enough to install the end bolts without destroying the finish on the spring or frame? I've never installed one of these without the benefit of the weight of an assembled car to load the spring. Thanks.

[Roy B.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

What a beautiful piece of art , of course you will never drive that! Use a come along with padding for each end.

[Ray G.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

Hello Tom;
Notice the crossmember above the spring ends (below in your picture). It has a hole through the crossmember looking directly at the spring end.
Run a new three foot long 1/2" treaded rod through that hole with a double nuts (available at hardware stores for joining threaded rods end to end)
Install a 3/8" clamp (similar to a muffler clamp) with two cross bars insulated by duct tape (sticky side out) and then a cloth at the second last leaf up against the outward curl.
Fasten the clamp to the threaded rod with strong chain onto the clamp and the threaded rod with 2 double nuts and sevaral flat washers.
Tighten the double nuts (TWO ON EACH Side on each end)on the lubricated threaded rod equally on both sides drawing the spring into place.
The trailing arms will have to be lifted for the bolts to meet the spring.
I don't mean any disrespect in my description instruction. Stay clear of the spring travel as serious injury could occur if something breaks.
If this is not clear email and I will call you and help in any way I can.
Ray

[Bert L.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

That's what I did when it was time to get things to mate when doing my '67.
Just take your time when going about it Tom, you will figure out best attaching
points. You will get small nicks and abrasions no matter how careful you are
but you can keep them minimal by using the careful attention to detail you have
obviously demonstrated with the results you have so far achieved on your chassis.
Great work and good luck!

Bert

[Bert L.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

I was referring to Roy's suggestion of using comealong and padding.

Bert

[Mike M.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

I use a floor jack. Clamp a small piece of 2x4 to the spring close to the end. This is for the floor jack to jack against. Another pice of wood on the jack pad. Place floor jack against 2x4 and wrap a chain under the floor jack and over the frame. Raise jack, chain will tighten against the frame and jack and raise the spring. I like this method I'm sure a few others will give you other hints.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

Tom
If you finsh any more work you want to do with the frame in this position it may be time to turn it over. With the trailing arms hanging down it is one less part to try to hold up and you have more options to load the spring.
Lyle

[Ray G.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

Hello;
The floor jack method is detailed, w/ pictures, in the service manual.
Loading both ends of the spring at the same time creates less strain on the differental cover.
Additionally use a sealer on the forward spring to differential cover bolts just in case the bolts have pushed through into interior of the gear case. This will eliminate seepage when upright.
Hope this helps.
Ray

[Chuck S.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

Mike, that method works when the body weight is on the chassis to keep the frame from moving upward with the jack. I can't see it working with just the bare chassis.

Very nice work, Tom. As a perfectionist, I would only remark on one visible issue, and I doubt it will cost you any deduct. Remarkable finish on the rotors...are those new? I'm with Lyle on assembling the chassis in the normal position...unless you have some heavy lifting equipment, you aren't going to be able to turn that chassis; in fact you may already be past that point.

[Mike M.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

Chuck, It works. The chain keeps the frame from rising. I have done this twice with the frame only no body weight. Takes less then 10 min to get both sides done. The frame would have to be turned over. The chain is over the frame either the rear crossmember or the kickup area. Then placed around and under the jack as tight as possible. Then jack the spring. The frame can't lift because the chain is under the jack and over the frame.

[Mike M.]

Re: Leaf Spring Installation

Also do not tighten the 4 main spring bolts. Wait till the body is on to torque them down.

[Joe C.]

How High Is Your Garage Ceiling? *NM*

[Chuck S.]

Dohp...Sorry, You're right...

I missed that part about the chain being under the jack...I assumed it was a safety measure.

[Keith B.]

I almost Killed My Son Trying That!!!!!

I tried the exact set up and the pressure was great enough that the pole poked a perfect cicle through the wood and the spring let loose. My son nearly escaped the spring and then the bar missed his head by inches!!!. Later I realized I had lifted the raffters of the garage off the base. It gave me and another buddy great stories but my son saw it a different way.

[Tom L.]

Frame stands

Chuck made a good point about not being able to turn the frame back over due to the weight. I've attached a bigger picture that shows the engine stands that the frame is mounted to. I can spin the frame to any position. It makes it much easier to work on.

Thanks for all of the help.