want to undo lowering of my 1941 deluxe

[John Gibson]

Years ago I had a large turnbuckle that we welded a piece of 1/4 inch x 2 inch steel on each end. Worked really well and was safe.

[tubman]

The "C"-clamp is for those times that you can't find that point.

[The Art Doctor]

Originally Posted by fortyonerag

You can make a fairly simple spring spreader out of some square tube and a length of threaded rod. Google is your friend. I know that shackle removal can be done without a spreader, but it’s far easier if you can relieve spring tension during the job.

That is what I made. Worked fine to pull a spring off an already removed axle/wishbone but I would think your idea of using the car weight and a jack has merit in this circumstance. I'd put a extra large C clamp or some chains around it for piece of mind.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by The Art Doctor

That is what I made. Worked fine to pull a spring off an already removed axle/wishbone but I would think your idea of using the car weight and a jack has merit in this circumstance. I'd put a extra large C clamp or some chains around it for piece of mind.

[Doublepumper]

Some good spring spreader information from the HAMB:
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...#post-15889037

[collinrestores]

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Don’t use a fixed length wedge. You want something adjustable because you will need to change the spread of the spring to get different size shackles on.

[hueyhoolihan]

Originally Posted by collinrestores

Don’t use a fixed length wedge. You want something adjustable because you will need to change the spread of the spring to get different size shackles on.

ya, i was thinking that even if i can neutralize the tension on the shackles and remove those long endplates, getting the shorter ones on will probably, i think, necessitate readjusting the spring in some fashion so as to position the shorter endplates to also fit without tension. could be tricky.

i expect i'll be doing some serious head scratching along the way at some point. and THAT's where some sort of adjustable spreader would come in very handy indeed! we'll see.

unfortunately, before i can begin to address the shackle endplates, i've got another job to do. it seems as though the new-to-me rear brake backing plate is rubbing on the brake drum on occasion and making a godawful screech. good news is i think i know why...it involves shimming the axle spindle...

once that's done i can turn my attention to the shackles. might be a week or three.

[glennpm]

Originally Posted by The Art Doctor

That is what I made. Worked fine to pull a spring off an already removed axle/wishbone but I would think your idea of using the car weight and a jack has merit in this circumstance. I'd put a extra large C clamp or some chains around it for piece of mind.

I made one like that years ago out of 3/4" all-thread and for a '40 spring, it was dangerous! You need 1" all-thread minimum.

I bought a 4 ton "Porta-Power" HF rip off and made a second wedge end. It works wonderfully and safely. Note that the dimensions work for a '40 spring.
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-ton-...kit-58204.html

[hueyhoolihan]

removed rear brake drum yesterday and found one of the pivot pin keepers for the E-brake had fallen off and the pin fell out too.

i had a couple more so removed and reinstalled the brake shoes and all the e-brake paraphernalia and then today installed the rear tapered shim for the axle, then on went the brake drum and tightened it all down. test drive revealed no problems.

e-brake needs adjusting as it's barely engaging, but brake drum squeal is now gone!

took a hard look at the front and read shackle endplates and i think i might be able to jack one side up and replace the plates without too much trouble. i'm thinking that may be the next task on my list...emphasis on "may".