removeing rear spring
 

i need to redo my rear spring < clean > it. does anyone know besides a spring spreader, if something else i can use to remove the shackels. question; should i be able to push down on my rear bumper, like i can on my henry j and work the suspension up and down? or is it real stiff?

Re: removeing rear spring
 

Key in "remove rear spring" in the forum lookup. You will find many ideas.

Re: removeing rear spring
 

You really need a spring a spreader to get it off. Makes it a lot easier and they are readily available for around $100.00. It's a tool you will use over and over again if you are into Model A Fords. When you say cleaning are you talking about taking the spring pack apart??? If so keep in mind that there is a lot of pressure in the rear springs and if you just start loosening the main nut without containing the spring you can get hurt. I usually use a couple of C clamps to contain it, get the nut off and then "SLOWLY" loosen the C clamps a little at a time until the pressure is off.

Re: removeing rear spring
 

Flathead39, i have Les Andrews book vol. 1. i'm going to use 4 c clamps and all-thread to take it apart. JAN. really didn't want to spend the $125.00 for a tool.

Re: removeing rear spring
 

All I have to say about it is BE SAFE...BE SAFE...BE SAFE...about it.

One little mistake could be one huge one on the other side.

You know what they say...You can pay me know or pay me later!

Better the $125.00 than $125,000.00 or more later.

Find some Model A'er in your area who has a spring spreader.

Will also ease the instalation of the spring back on to the car.

Good Luck and BE SAFE...CAN NOT STRESS THAT ENOUGH HERE.

Pluck

Re: removeing rear spring
 

Pluck, i belong to the LEHIGH VALLEY MODEL A CLUB here in PA. i'm going to see who has a spreader. JAN your right SAFTEY FIRST.:):):)

Re: removeing rear spring
 

jan bogert,

My father and I took the rear spring out of his Phaeton this past fall. We did it with the correct tool and it was still scarey for me. I have one Question for you. What is your life worth ? Borrow or buy the correct spreader and have A Lot of Respect for the rear spring, if not you'll pay for it. You'll just have to Trust what I'm telling you. No, we didn't get hurt, but there's still a lot of tension left in the spring even once it is out of the car. Just be careful and take your time, don't get in any hurry.

Re: removeing rear spring
 

Jan I'm glad to read you decided to borrow a rear spring spreader. MY 70 year old dad made a spreader like the one they call a travel spreader, it pushes off the top bolt on the side of the differential. The spring has to move about 10 inches. He made it out of a piece of black pipe and all thread. Needless to say this thing came flying off at the speed of light and glanced off his shin:eek:. Luckily it didn't break the shin just a nasty bruise. We borrowed a nice deluxe spreader from the Downriver A's and the job went great, I was there this time and I was still a little nervous but the "store bought" tool made a big difference, It has 1" ACME threads instead of standard all thread and heavier gauge pipe. Just be careful lots of stored energy.

Re: removeing rear spring
 

btt

Re: removeing rear spring
 

Jan, The LVMAC has a spring spreader you can lend out. It is with the club tools. You can find the info in your latest newsletter. It is kept at Steve Ryan's house. Steve's phone is listed in the newsletter.