The Ford Barn

Tom Cavallaro · 04-09-2012, 07:05 PM

Hello to all, I'm now working on the rear wheels, brakes, cleaning up the rear end, and found that one set of shackles don't have grease plugs. So...I decided to replace both.
My question is this; Do I need to purchase the spring spreader to replace them, or can I use blocks of wood and the jack to pull them out and put the new ones in.
Tom

wrndln · 04-09-2012, 07:14 PM

I don't think you should ever mess with the rear spring without using a well built spring spreader. Rear springs are extremely powerful and can do a lot of damage to people and objects. If you have a model A club in your area, many times they have a loan program that lets people use tools. Our Twin Cities clubs has a program like that.
Rusty Nelson

d.j. moordigian · 04-09-2012, 07:22 PM

Tom
Is the rear end still in the car?

Ed in Maine · 04-09-2012, 07:45 PM

Hello Tom, you have asked a very good question. Please do a "search" for Rear Spring on this forum for past comments on removing the rear spring. It is the most dangerous task you will face with your Model A. Yes, you need a good spring spreader to change the spring shackles. Ed

Tom Cavallaro · 04-10-2012, 07:50 AM

Yes the rear is still in the car. I just wanted to change one shackle at a time. I have no intention of removing the rear spring at this time. I honestly thought I could manipulate the rear to the spring with a block of wood, to relax enough to slip out the old and slip in the new one. Since I was able to do this this way with the front, but the manual talks about the spring spreader for the rear. I don't belong to a club yet, but may need to find one soon. Looking like not the job to do right now. Thanks fellas

Stinch · 04-10-2012, 08:08 AM

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The front spring is much easier to work with but the rear is a different animal. Kind of like comparing a domestic cat to a wild tiger. The rear spring can be left attached to the rear cross member and is safer that way. A well made spring spreader is a must. Bratton's sells a very nice spring spreader but it is also helpful to have someone who has done it before. With the right tool, your shackle replacement should go easy.

Patrick L. · 04-10-2012, 08:38 AM

I like Stinch's comparison.. If you're not dismantling the spring, you'll need a spreader..

04-09-2012, 07:05 PM	#1
Tom Cavallaro Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Barrington, NJ Posts: 280	Rear Shackles Hello to all, I'm now working on the rear wheels, brakes, cleaning up the rear end, and found that one set of shackles don't have grease plugs. So...I decided to replace both. My question is this; Do I need to purchase the spring spreader to replace them, or can I use blocks of wood and the jack to pull them out and put the new ones in. Tom

04-09-2012, 07:14 PM	#2
wrndln Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 5,159	Re: Rear Shackles I don't think you should ever mess with the rear spring without using a well built spring spreader. Rear springs are extremely powerful and can do a lot of damage to people and objects. If you have a model A club in your area, many times they have a loan program that lets people use tools. Our Twin Cities clubs has a program like that. Rusty Nelson

04-09-2012, 07:22 PM	#3
d.j. moordigian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fresno, Ca. Posts: 3,636	Re: Rear Shackles Tom Is the rear end still in the car?

04-09-2012, 07:45 PM	#4
Ed in Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL Posts: 1,106	Re: Rear Shackles Hello Tom, you have asked a very good question. Please do a "search" for Rear Spring on this forum for past comments on removing the rear spring. It is the most dangerous task you will face with your Model A. Yes, you need a good spring spreader to change the spring shackles. Ed

04-10-2012, 07:50 AM	#5
Tom Cavallaro Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Barrington, NJ Posts: 280	Re: Rear Shackles Yes the rear is still in the car. I just wanted to change one shackle at a time. I have no intention of removing the rear spring at this time. I honestly thought I could manipulate the rear to the spring with a block of wood, to relax enough to slip out the old and slip in the new one. Since I was able to do this this way with the front, but the manual talks about the spring spreader for the rear. I don't belong to a club yet, but may need to find one soon. Looking like not the job to do right now. Thanks fellas

04-10-2012, 08:08 AM	#6
Stinch Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 220	Re: Rear Shackles Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The front spring is much easier to work with but the rear is a different animal. Kind of like comparing a domestic cat to a wild tiger. The rear spring can be left attached to the rear cross member and is safer that way. A well made spring spreader is a must. Bratton's sells a very nice spring spreader but it is also helpful to have someone who has done it before. With the right tool, your shackle replacement should go easy. __________________ E30 68-B Cabriolet

04-10-2012, 08:38 AM	#7
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Rear Shackles I like Stinch's comparison.. If you're not dismantling the spring, you'll need a spreader..