36 Front Spring

[Stretch Cab]

Is the front spring under tension on a 36?

[Andy]

Should be. The shackles should be at 45* under load. If the bones were split and the perch holes just straightened out, the perches are probably moved closer together. The bones should be bent behind the axle to retain the geometry.

[Stretch Cab]

Car is stock so I would need a spring spreader?

['36 5W]

Yes, indeed; a large 'C' clamp works well as an alternative.

[Mart]

You are better off if you can use a spring spreader. It doesn't need to be anything fancy, though, I made one recently and it works for a 36 front application.

Here's a a link to the post.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221679

Mart.

[Andy]

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I use the weight of the car to spread the springs. Put the car on jack stands. Attach one end of the spring to the shackle with the spring loose in the U bolts. Block that end so the shackle is level. Put a jack under the free end of the spring and jack it up untill you can attach the other shackle.
I use this method always. It works on 32 rear springs as well. They are tricky because of the bend.

[JSeery]

I have used a lot of these methods as well, but they really are not safe and a spring has a lot of stored energy. You should use a spring spreader, they are easy to make or purchase. When you see the damage a spring can cause and the ease of using a spring spreader it is just the best way to go.

Note: I'd had some very interesting experiences with coil overs and a cutting torch!! You just would not believe the energy involved.

[Stretch Cab]

Thanks everyone. I will use the spreader

[Bill Dewey]

I Installed a new front spring on my 36 , purchased from chassis engineering. They told me to remove center bolt that holds leaves together and install the main leaf by its self then put a long bolt threw the bottom, stack leaves then pull together with 2 c clamps then drive the correct center bolt in from the top. Bill

[1stford]

Originally Posted by Bill Dewey

I Installed a new front spring on my 36 , purchased from chassis engineering. They told me to remove center bolt that holds leaves together and install the main leaf by its self then put a long bolt threw the bottom, stack leaves then pull together with 2 c clamps then drive the correct center bolt in from the top. Bill

Not sure if it was my best decision ever but I did mine as described above.

[grumppyoldman]

I'm getting ready to pull the rear end on my 41 tomorrow. I have a bent axle. I made me a spring spreader today, using the bumper jack that came with the car, and s piece of heavy walled pipe. I installed it and put pressure on it to make sure it won't pop out, think it'll work. Al

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Bill Dewey

I Installed a new front spring on my 36 , purchased from chassis engineering. They told me to remove center bolt that holds leaves together and install the main leaf by its self then put a long bolt threw the bottom, stack leaves then pull together with 2 c clamps then drive the correct center bolt in from the top. Bill

That is a method often used. A spring spreader is simpler to use, but the other method works.

[19Fordy]

Stretch cab: Where are you in So. FL. I have a spring spreader you can borrow if you're close to Coral Springs or Ft. Lauderdale. It worked on my 40.

[Stretch Cab]

I'm just north of Jupiter but my car is in NC in my garage. Work has me in Fl so I don't get a chance to work on that car very often. Thanks so much for the offer!