Rear spring spreader
 

Has anyone used the Ecklers spring spreader ??

Years ago, I used a homemade one with2 pieces of galvanized pipe and threaded stock in the middle with nuts and washers. It worked, but was tricky to use because the threaded stock had to bend over the banjo. Not sure I want to do that again.

Thanks - Jim

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

It looks good. https://www.ecklers.com/model-a-ford...8-23743-1.html

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

The rear spring is a widow maker. Definitely use a full length, quality spreader. Did not use the Eckler tool, but it looks pretty good and I would try it. Extreme caution is warranted !!

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

I have used this spring spreader from Snyder's with great success. I think you are smart to get a good one. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword

Eckler's (Mac's) and Snyder's both offer a more expensive one with ball bearing thrust bearings so it is easier to turn.

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

Thanks all for your comments ! I’ve ordered the Eckler’s spreader via eBay - free shipping and half the price of others I;ve seen online. Snyder’s appears to sell one that looks like the Eckler’s, but does not h ave free shipping. I’ll follow up after I receive the spreader and have a chance to use it.

Jim

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

Yes, I’ve never ever seen one before much less used one but I bought it and used it. Piece of cake!

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

Jim, be sure you oil/grease the threads before using. Makes it a lot easier

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

https://i.imgur.com/J19FoN7.jpg?1

If you are handy you can run one up...schedule 80 tubing,1" grade 8 all thread,7018 stick welded,single stitch,triple pass..any kind of stored energy can kill,not just tensioned springs

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

I used my four ton porta power jack .

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

Mine was made from 1 1/2" chrome moly scrap, probably schedule 40, or there about. I also used 1" threaded rod. It works well! Don't try 3/4" It will bend. Almost took my leg off! Sorry, I can't post pics!
Terry

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

I don't use a spreader. With the spring disassembled it is fairly easy to install the main leaf by itself. Then simply reassemble the spring. I am doing this now myself. My reason for this is I am installing a spring with reversed eyes and the spreader won't work.

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

I vote for the porta power. That way I can spread the spring and stand a few feet away.

John

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

I have used a porta-power for years. You need an adapter to get around the banjo but they are available commercially now. They have slip on adapters so you can spread a reversed eye spring also.

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

I use weight in the back of the vehicle and a short piece of 2X4 between the spring and axle housing. Simple and inexpensive.

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

Whatever method you use, be sure to wrap a safety chain around everything. It doesn't take but a minute and you never know what can happen.

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

That’s interesting. By any chance, do you have any pictures?


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Re: Rear spring spreader
 

Sorry, no pictures, I don't usually think of taking pictures when I'm working on something, I think of it after the fact.

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

It’s safer not to remove the spring attached to the rear end. Remove the rear end then remove rear spring. Wrap the spring with a chain before removing from car

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

The subject of the rear spring comes up often on this forum and from some of the responses posted it becomes apparent there are still people in the Model A hobby that do not believe the rear spring is lethal.

I have been overhauling rear axle assemblies for about 35 years and have heard first hand several horror stories. Believe me the rear spring on a Model A Ford can be lethal and it deserves proper respect.

The attached article describes the proper way a rear spring should be handled.

Also attached is a photo of a broken shackle. Some of you may be aware that several of us are in the process of restoring a 1930 Tudor for my 14-year old grandson. We began the process in early March 2020 when we acquired the car. One the first thing we did was pull the rear end for restoration. When we removed the left shackle we found one of the shackle bolts broken in half. Had we pulled the rear end with the spring attached the unrestrained spring could have easily taken flight and injured anyone in its path.

The question may be asked, how does a shackle bolt get broken? My theory is that whoever last installed the shackles tightened the nuts down tight. The nuts should be pulled down tight to ensure the shackle is fully seated, then the nuts should be backed off a turn before inserting the cotter pins. The purpose is to allow the shackles to pivot when going over a bump, otherwise they could be twisted off, which I believe is what happened.

Tom Endy

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

I was watching the Victoria Restoration on You Tube and I noticed the rear end sitting there. Only thing holding the spring together is the spring clamps. Center bolt is gone. Yikes

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

I bought a spreader form this company. A better product that Snyders and a better price. I am really happy with it.

https://macs-fabrication.com/product...e174d712&_ss=r

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

Yep, never used one before but bought this one and it was a piece of cake to use. Just remember to grease the threads real good.

Rear spring spreader
 

I’ve never used one. What are the differences that you see between what you bought and what Snyder’s offers? Snyder’s has two models.


https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword


https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword


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Re: Rear spring spreader
 

All the spring spreaders on the market shown in the posts above I consider a proper spring spreader. They are all equally safe. The only difference is the ease of using them. The ones for under $100 work just fine, I have one and used it for many years. I later bought one of the more expensive ones that have thrust bearings that make it easier to turn the nut against the tension of the rear spring. It also has retention devices that prevent the feet from falling out when you are trying to position it on the rear axle.

The basic design was created by a fellow name Pete Weschler years ago. He was a designer of Model A tools and had a mail order business selling them. I would often see him and his wife at swap meets with a trailer with all their products. Pete was up in his years then and has long since retired.

When installing the spreader just make certain that the little "grabbers" on the end of the feet are securely positioned around the the shackle boss before you begin spreading the spring.

Tom Endy

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

That is the same spreader I have, nice unit. Ensure you buy it direct tho, he charges $30 more on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Model-...72.m2749.l2649

Re: Rear spring spreader
 

I used the deluxe version from Snyder's and have no complaints. I don't think safety should be judged at how little of it you can get away with. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...d9b6db3420.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...4748a2cb2a.jpg

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Re: Rear spring spreader
 

i never see RUST LOCK mentioned in these threads. maybe im one in a million. but on my car the spring was rust locked. I kept my spring in the ubolts. spread it with a one side spreader. and when the shackle bolt came out and the spreader released it didnt move. got a long bar and put that between the spring and backing plate. it went off with a bang. spring was captive in the u bolts and on the other shackle. the rust of the spring kept it under tension if removed like that or not handled with extreme caution. it could be a dangerous situation.