Rear spring spreader for 41
 

Hi All,

I have a dumb question. I need to drop the rear end in my 41 woodie. All I have and can find is a spreader for model A's. My guess is it's much too short for this application. Has anyone made longer arms for these and had success? I'm curious as to the max length to take the load off the spring so I can fab some. I've been unable to find any spreaders online that are big enough for flathead ford's.

Thanks,

Jon

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

I use my Porta power.

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

If you do a search for SPRING SPREADER lots of good ideas appear.
Measure the distance between your rear spring eyes. Then you can make your own spreader. I think this home made spreader is about 38-39 in. so it will fit between the spring eyes. Then you can "turn it outward" to spread the spring. You only need to spread the spring eyes outward a small amount to release the tension. Can also be used on front spring. This is a 40 Ford with stock rear spring.
Porta Power is and easiest way to go if you have one.

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

I use a Harbor Freight "Porta Power" and made one of the ends. My post is shown and there are a lot more suggestions in the rest of the thread.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showp...7&postcount=22

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

We made a spreader by simply sliding a threaded rod inside a pipe tapered both ends and adjusted with a nut. Works great

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

The porta is good idea as long as a spring doesn't have reversed eyes. Harbor Freight has porta powers.

https://www.harborfreight.com/search...0porta%20power

I don't know how good they are. I have a Blackhawk from the 1950s that is still going strong and another cheap version I bought at an estate sale for $30.00. If you pull the spring with the rearend you can c-clamp the spring, remove the center bolt and leafs, then you will be able to stretch the main leaf by hand to remove it from the shackle. I use a piece of all thread and a couple nuts to compress the spring again. Clamp it and install the center bolt. There is a little bit of tension on leaf springs but not like there is on a coil spring. You don't need to be afraid of it.

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

I have one too but it was dangerous. If you do it that way, wrap chains aroung the spring and the bar.

Glenn

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

Thanks all! I'm going to try the Porta power route and see where it takes me. Stay tuned!

Best,

Jon

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

Be aware that wagon rear springs have more leaves than the other cars. No wimpy spreader will do.

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

The A one might work. Just offer it up and try it. Do it with the car on the ground.

Mart.

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

On our '41 fordor, I always placed a floor jack under the shackle and lifted until the shackle could be removed then lowered that end of the spring and went to other side. reversed operation to install. did it that way dozens of times front and back.

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

Yes, me too. It's easy & cheap to make. It's all you need! - F F

Re: Rear spring spreader for 41
 

Model A rear spring is pretty much the same width as all rear transverse Ford springs.

Can't see why a spreader for a rear A spring would not be wide enough.