The Ford Barn

ian Simpson · 11-13-2016, 10:32 PM

I had a nasty surprise a week or so ago - after removing the rear hubs to refurbish the brakes, I discovered the passenger side axle shaft to be a total write-off with a torn up key way.

I have a new axle shaft on its way, and have determined to refresh the transmission and clutch while I have the rear axle out of the car.

My question is this:

Should I drop the spring with the axle and then spread the spring for removal? Or, should I spread and disconnect spring from the axle before dropping the axle, leaving the spring hanging in the cross member?

I do have the use of a good quality spring spreader.

tbirdtbird · 11-13-2016, 10:41 PM

let us know how you make out

SeaSlugs · 11-13-2016, 11:03 PM

hmm some like to leave it attached to the car and spred it that way, if you do it out of the car wrap the fattest longest log chain around the spring as tight as you can get it before trying to remove the spring and DO NOT stand above it - keep every part of your body as far away from the spring as possible...

Some say its safer to leave in the car as the crossmember will cratle the spring it it decides to let loose upon removal.

Tom Wesenberg · 11-13-2016, 11:30 PM

I'd leave the spring in the car. It's safer there and less work.

califfarmer · 11-13-2016, 11:47 PM

I just finished this exact project. I used the spreader and left the spring in the car. It was easy and safe. Those springs can be scary if the center bolt is broken.

larrys40 · 11-14-2016, 12:38 AM

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ian,
If you leave it in it is actually less work and safer as you don't have to undo the spring hangers.... Just compress the spring with the spreader to the proper relief and remove the shackles.

The axle should be easy to do... while you're in there check all bearings and races...replace all if there are any wear signs.
I would want to ensure proper pre-load setup as well.
As opposed to cutting a new keyway Axles are still fairly plentiful and just replace it. I would however inspect both axles very carefully for cracks, issues on the thread end as well as wear on the gear end.

Good luck!
Larry Shepard

V4F · 11-14-2016, 09:29 AM

ditto tom

katy · 11-14-2016, 12:22 PM

When you have it apart would be a good time to put new axle seals in.

ian Simpson · 11-15-2016, 12:01 AM

Thank you all, I will leave the spring hanging on the frame. I thought it might be the easiest and safest approach.

I intend to replace everything that is in the least bit worn as I never want to do this again.

A31Woody · 11-15-2016, 02:45 PM

Related question. If replacing the spring is it still advisable to first disconnect from rear end and then drop from the crossmember? I'm about to do the same job as the original poster, but plan on replacing the spring.

ursus · 11-15-2016, 03:54 PM

[QUOTE] Related question. If replacing the spring is it still advisable to first disconnect from rear end and then drop from the crossmember? I'm about to do the same job as the original poster, but plan on replacing the spring.

Disconnecting the spring from the axle before removing it from the frame could be risky. I know of someone who did it that way thinking it would be safer but he found the spring difficult to remove from the crossmember because of an 80 year accumulation of grease and dirt. With the rear on jackstands, he worked to free the spring with a crowbar. The spring dropped suddenly to the concrete and exploded, sending leaves flying all over the place. Fortunately, nobody was injured and the jackstands stayed in place, although their was sheet rock damage to the garage wall and some very choice words spoken.

11-13-2016, 10:32 PM	#1
ian Simpson Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 709	Removing the rear axle. I had a nasty surprise a week or so ago - after removing the rear hubs to refurbish the brakes, I discovered the passenger side axle shaft to be a total write-off with a torn up key way. I have a new axle shaft on its way, and have determined to refresh the transmission and clutch while I have the rear axle out of the car. My question is this: Should I drop the spring with the axle and then spread the spring for removal? Or, should I spread and disconnect spring from the axle before dropping the axle, leaving the spring hanging in the cross member? I do have the use of a good quality spring spreader.

11-13-2016, 10:41 PM	#2
tbirdtbird BANNED Join Date: May 2012 Location: inside your RAM Posts: 3,134	Re: Removing the rear axle. let us know how you make out __________________ '31 180A Last edited by tbirdtbird; 02-03-2017 at 12:35 AM.

11-13-2016, 11:03 PM	#3
SeaSlugs Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 3,968	Re: Removing the rear axle. hmm some like to leave it attached to the car and spred it that way, if you do it out of the car wrap the fattest longest log chain around the spring as tight as you can get it before trying to remove the spring and DO NOT stand above it - keep every part of your body as far away from the spring as possible... Some say its safer to leave in the car as the crossmember will cratle the spring it it decides to let loose upon removal. __________________ 1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons!

11-13-2016, 11:30 PM	#4
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Removing the rear axle. I'd leave the spring in the car. It's safer there and less work.

11-13-2016, 11:47 PM	#5
califfarmer Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 41	Re: Removing the rear axle. I just finished this exact project. I used the spreader and left the spring in the car. It was easy and safe. Those springs can be scary if the center bolt is broken. __________________ Eat more large Lima beans!!

11-14-2016, 12:38 AM	#6
larrys40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St Charles , Missouri Posts: 1,998	Re: Removing the rear axle. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) ian, If you leave it in it is actually less work and safer as you don't have to undo the spring hangers.... Just compress the spring with the spreader to the proper relief and remove the shackles. The axle should be easy to do... while you're in there check all bearings and races...replace all if there are any wear signs. I would want to ensure proper pre-load setup as well. As opposed to cutting a new keyway Axles are still fairly plentiful and just replace it. I would however inspect both axles very carefully for cracks, issues on the thread end as well as wear on the gear end. Good luck! Larry Shepard

11-14-2016, 09:29 AM	#7
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,522	Re: Removing the rear axle. ditto tom __________________ V4f

11-14-2016, 12:22 PM	#8
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: Removing the rear axle. When you have it apart would be a good time to put new axle seals in. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

11-15-2016, 12:01 AM	#9
ian Simpson Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 709	Re: Removing the rear axle. Thank you all, I will leave the spring hanging on the frame. I thought it might be the easiest and safest approach. I intend to replace everything that is in the least bit worn as I never want to do this again.

11-15-2016, 02:45 PM	#10
A31Woody Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 136	Re: Removing the rear axle. Related question. If replacing the spring is it still advisable to first disconnect from rear end and then drop from the crossmember? I'm about to do the same job as the original poster, but plan on replacing the spring.

11-15-2016, 03:54 PM	#11
ursus Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,375	Re: Removing the rear axle. [QUOTE] Related question. If replacing the spring is it still advisable to first disconnect from rear end and then drop from the crossmember? I'm about to do the same job as the original poster, but plan on replacing the spring. Disconnecting the spring from the axle before removing it from the frame could be risky. I know of someone who did it that way thinking it would be safer but he found the spring difficult to remove from the crossmember because of an 80 year accumulation of grease and dirt. With the rear on jackstands, he worked to free the spring with a crowbar. The spring dropped suddenly to the concrete and exploded, sending leaves flying all over the place. Fortunately, nobody was injured and the jackstands stayed in place, although their was sheet rock damage to the garage wall and some very choice words spoken.