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    Update on installing new springs

    I got new front and rear springs from A-Springs and want to prepare them for installation. My question is how big of a C clamp do I need to disassemble them for filing, lubing, painting. I don't know how much compression there is. Would I need a 6"-8"-10" to handle the springs relaxing. At A-Springs recommendation I got the 10 leaf rear but want to remove #7 and #9 for a better ride (again their recommendation).
    Last edited by Mickey; 12-20-2017, 03:27 PM.

    #2
    Mick there is some tension on the spring pack, but nothing crazy. I have wrapped chain around both sides and fastened it with a bolt and nut. I have also used C-clamps, as long as they go around the spring leafs with some play your good. It's not that much pressure but it will give a little pop.
    3~ Tudor's & 1~ Coupe
    Henry Ford said,
    "It's all nuts and bolts"
    "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

    Mitch's Auto Service ctr

    Comment


    • Mickey
      Mickey commented
      Editing a comment
      So I use the C clamp to enclose the spring rather than clamping it and slowly releasing the tension?

    • Beauford
      Beauford commented
      Editing a comment
      Yes, I heard "death" stories on the other site. Got me all worked up for nothing....tow strap wrapped around the spring on both sides and rear frame. Pop, Pop....I was disappointed. LOL

    • Mickey
      Mickey commented
      Editing a comment
      Beauford these are new springs laying on the floor. No frame involved yet.

    • BNCHIEF
      BNCHIEF commented
      Editing a comment
      I have also used furniture clamps more clamping surface.

    • Beauford
      Beauford commented
      Editing a comment
      Ahhhh...thought you were removing. It's easy to remove and install. I had to cut my shackles that hold the spring. Rusted solid. PB Blaster and a little yellow bottle torch is your friend with all the bolts. I ran across a lot of stripped bolts and nuts as well. I doubt that car will be a basket case like mine. HAHAHA

      Just attach the spring to the rear with shackle grease fittings towards rear and long center bolt through the centers. Add the clips on both sides and lower frame down centering hole on rear cross member to center bolt on spring.

    #3
    Beau these are off the vehicle,, big difference.. yes just enclose / capture them..
    3~ Tudor's & 1~ Coupe
    Henry Ford said,
    "It's all nuts and bolts"
    "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

    Mitch's Auto Service ctr

    Comment


      #4
      Since these are new springs do you plan to graphite and paint them, they also make spring oilers something I have never used.

      Comment


      • Beauford
        Beauford commented
        Editing a comment
        My new ones came painted and I added graphite which I failed to mention.

      #5
      Was this a dumb question you asked that we answered Beau I mean about graphite and painting. Yea we love ya.:rolling

      Comment


      • Beauford
        Beauford commented
        Editing a comment
        Chief....that was learned after countless pages of rear spring removal and install. All I needed was a tow strap, cutoff tool and spreader. LOL I'm still here and no spring steel in my garage ceiling.

      • BNCHIEF
        BNCHIEF commented
        Editing a comment
        You know I am only teasing you, because we like you plus feel free to pick on me anytime you want.

      • Mitch
        Mitch commented
        Editing a comment
        I love picking on Beau
        Especially after he texts me @ 3:00 a/m, about a fender bolt

      • BNCHIEF
        BNCHIEF commented
        Editing a comment
        He confuses your time with Howdy Doody time.

      • Beauford
        Beauford commented
        Editing a comment
        It's always a good time to call Mitch!! Got my Brattons and another flyer....I ain't gonna joke on ya'll or you might cut me off or band me from the site! LOL

      #6
      To answer the question, I've had good luck using C clamp that opens to 6 1/4" on an eight leaf spring. It should work on a 10 leaf with just a small amount of residual tension that you could deal with safely.

      Comment


        #7
        With the front springs, a light weight 6 in will do it, and really you may not need a clamp, if your using a new center bolt.
        With the rear spring, I was scared so I used the heaviest clamp I had, when the clamp was opened to it's max about 6 or 8 inches, I had a little tension left in the spring, it wasn't bad to deal with.

        Comment


          #8
          Mickey
          Did you ask A-springs about lubricating the new springs? I thought i remember that they did not recommend that
          3~ Tudor's & 1~ Coupe
          Henry Ford said,
          "It's all nuts and bolts"
          "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

          Mitch's Auto Service ctr

          Comment


          • Mickey
            Mickey commented
            Editing a comment
            This is from their website.
            "Use a light coat of EP (extreme pressure) grease on the underside of each leaf prior to assembly. This will allow for a smoother action between the leaves and provide for a softer ride."

            Mitch what do you think of the Teflon ball caps for the shock links? Bratton's seems to like them. Says never needs greasing.

          • Mitch
            Mitch commented
            Editing a comment
            The balls need to be in good shape (not worn) or it will eat the teflon up. I guess it's user preference but i always use the brass and grease them when i do the other 499 fittings.
            Your call unless someone else has experience with them

          • Mickey
            Mickey commented
            Editing a comment
            Well the brass ones are already in there so I'll just go with them.

          #9
          Originally posted by Mickey View Post
          Well the brass ones are already in there so I'll just go with them.
          Even the Teflon ones should have grease to keep the metal parts from rusting.

          The rear spring is most dangerous when it's shackled in place to the rear axle, because this pulls the spring leaves flatter and that puts a lot of tension on the center bolt. I was taking a junk Model A apart with the body off. I thought it was strange that when I was removing the 4 nuts from the 2 U bolts that they were so tight, right up to the last thread. Well, I didn't think about the center bolt being rusted in half, and when I got to the last thread on the U bolts, the frame suddenly jumped a few feet in the air. Luckily my head was just behind the rear crossmember when this happened, but it sure woke me up.

          Comment


          • Mickey
            Mickey commented
            Editing a comment
            Thanks Tom they're apart and I'm putting a bevel on the ends, sanding the rust off and putting a thin coat of high pressure grease on the sides facing each other.

          #10
          Got them beveled, lubed and assembled. The rear is ready to install and the front just needs primer and paint.
          Attached Files

          Comment


          • Mitch
            Mitch commented
            Editing a comment
            lookin pretty

          #11
          Be careful installing the rear spring. I was not, and I was extremely lucky to get away alive and unharmed.
          I took mine out with a homemade spreader. It was dark out, and my neighbor and I were working with a outside floodlights and a drop light. Needless to say, when I tapped out the second shackle, the spring took off - up!! We both ran, and heard branches breaking in the tree above. The spring came down, and went about 10” into the ground. We were SO Lucky to not be hurt or killed!!
          Needless to say, I ordered a spring spreader from Snyder’s to put it back in. I admit I was scared, but it went back perfectly, without any problems.

          Comment


          • Mitch
            Mitch commented
            Editing a comment
            Mickey is bringing the truck to my shop in a few. I'll be putting in the springs, replacing the king pins, and setting up his Mel Gross new brakes.

            Oh and a computerized wheel alignment

          • BNCHIEF
            BNCHIEF commented
            Editing a comment
            If Mickey puts on radials he will be really happy.

          • Mickey
            Mickey commented
            Editing a comment
            Sorry Chief. Already put on new nylon bias tires.
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