KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Looking for a KR Wilson, or equivalent, spring spreader. Does anyone have one for sale? Send pictures to Lawson Cox, direct email, [email protected].

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Any chance of posting a photo of what that tool looks like?
Would be neat to see.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Here it is!!

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1625606504
KR Wilson Spring Spreader.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1625610728

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1625610733

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1625610738
Here is an alternative Spring Spreader, the Litchfield Spring Spreader - Made in Australia.
Notice the Instructions inside the Lid that lists what Combinations are needed for what vehicle, including the small British Ford Prefect and Anglia.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1625611491

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1625611496
Litchfield Spring Spreader - Made in Australia.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1625612561
Another type of early Ford Spring Spreader.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Wow, Thanks for posting all those photos. I can see why it's such a desirable tool.

If you ever locate a really big turnbuckle you can make one like this.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

If your in a bind you could get this one here.

https://www.ebay.com/str/macsfabrica...pring+Spreader

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

This is the spring spreader I actually had in mind, and have used one like it several times. I like it very much. Does anyone have a Litchfield spring spreader they would part with?

Thanks

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I have a old Snap On that I found in a closed out shop.I think its from the 30's.The adapter pipes on one end were lost in shipment so made those up

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I use a porta power that has the correct ends in the kit. I think Northern Hyd and Harbor Freight carry those kits. Put the curved ends on pipes with the hyd jack in the middle and pump away.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

The best one I have used is the early Snap On. Works smooth as glass, and strong as a bull. If I were to to compare the Snap On to the KR Wilson, the Snap On is simple and a far better design and execution.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I have been looking for one for quite awhile. I ran parts wanted ads both on Fordbarn and Early V8 Club classified to no avail other than the guy from England that will part his car out to get me one.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

The K R Wilson spreader as shown in post #4 above will only do the rear spring due to it's over all length. K R W had a associated tool that used in conjunction with their spreader would do the front spring.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

That would be interesting!

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Didn't Mart make one of these?

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I've got a home made rear spring spreader that my great uncles used in their Ford dealership in the 30's and 40's. It a length of 1 inch ready bolt that slips into some heavy wall tubing with a heavy flat washer welded on 1 end of the tube and the other end smashed flat to a point to wedge in the spring. The ready bolt has a big square nut for adjustment that tightens against the washer with the end of the ready rod also ground flat to fit into the spring. Easy to make of you had access to the materials. I've used it dozens of times over the years in my shop. 30's technology.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I was going to try that myself. Does the HF portapower have plenty of travel for the job?

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

[ATTACH]Attachment 467610[/ATTACH

I built this one to clear the Quick Change.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I made mine from a top link of a tractor 3-point hitch. Cheap, works great, and easy adapt.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I used a Harbor Freight "Porta-Power" on the 40 rear spring in my 32.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I owned one with a friend who died. His daughter sold it, not knowing our arrangement. Too expensive to buy another to use just one time. So goes life.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Just FWIW a local rental shop rents a 10 ton portapower for $19 for half a day.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Not around here, at least not one I can locate. I have found a good spring spreader that I can borrow from a friend of a friend. Picking it up in the morning.

Thanks, everybody. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

This piece you speak of is an attachment to the pictured spreader and a VERY rare piece. I have a KRW spreader and have borrowed that piece from a friend to do fronts. I even tried to get a machine shop to mill one for me, but it is complicated and therefore too expensive to do a one off. Always wondered if there were enough spreaders left to create enough interest to have some made?

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Do you have a photo of the attachment?

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Lawson.....................BE CAREFUL ! ! !
Paul in CT

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I will have to make a picture of it, but it is a unique piece.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

ALWAYS. Too overly cautious at times methinks.

Query: At what point do you stop "spreading" the spring? If you spread it far enough to move the shackle link, does not that remove the pressure on the link? Does spreading the spring farther somehow reduce the pressure on the link, making it easier to remove? Inquiring minds want to know.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Yes, if you spread it far enough to change the angle of the shackle the pressure is reduced. Spreading it farther won,t help much.
Bill

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

At the risk of being Mr Obvious, is this to be done in a vehicle or out of the vehicle? If the spring is in a car/truck, you can support the ends of the spring with blocks and/or jacks to take the weight off the shackles and remove them that way. And yes, just slight movement indicates the pressure is off.


This can be safer than a spring spreader, as long as the car is supported safely.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Yoyodyne: Seems pretty risky to me.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

It can be, it's best to have help. I've done it plenty on As and Ts by myself, with just wood blocks between the axle and spring, V8s need more outside support.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Thanks, bbrocksr, Yoyodyne, and 19Fordy for the comments. I was able to borrow a Litchfield spreader, but unfortunately, it was not a complete spreader as it was missing the shorter piece and therefore about 1/8" too long, and wouldn't work for me. I'm gonna just go ahead and spring for (no pun intended) for a new Porta Power from Harbour Freight and let my heirs figure out what to do with it. LOL

Y'all have really been a big help with this, and I really appreciate your putting up with me again. Thanks.

Until the next problem arises, I'll still be lurking hereabouts.

Lawson

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

A few years ago I bought a 4-ton ram from Harbor freight. I got it on sale for $100. I have used it several times on the springs on my '38. When Lawson started this thread I was going to recommend this too, but I looked on line and only saw the 10-ton version for considerably more.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Here are a couple of pictures of the attachment that allows you to remove (or install) the front spring using a KRW spring spreader. Notice how it attaches which causes the overall length of the piece reaching the spring to become reduced. This works very well as most KRW tools do. As mentioned earlier, this is a VERY rare attachment for the KRW spring spreader. I've only seen two in my life.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Hi Lawson,


If you are only 1/8" too long, you could use your floor jack under the spring end, jack it a little and slip the spreader in.


Not that with the Harbor Freight unit, it comes with only one "chisel" end. I made another from pipe as you can see in my post #22.


Glenn

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

I think I understand. Yes, it would be tough to fabricate to replace that casting, without spending huge time on it. Thanks for the photos.

Re: KR Wilson spring spreader
 

Yikes! I've done a few things and amazingly walked away unharmed. Read: young and dumb.
I would NEVER remove a spring the way you suggest.