Pulling rear springs on 50 woodie

[30aadoodlebug]

Hey All,

Im at the point in the restoration of the chassis where I need to drop the rear springs to begin rehabbing them.

Here is my question: What is the proper procedure in removing the old springs? I have pulled springs on A's and Earlier v8's, but they required a spring spreader, and a huge pair of brass ones between the legs. These look rather simple, but I really don't feel like loosing a leg in the process.

Thanks in advance,

Jon

[Mart]

Should be simple. Jack car up, support frame on stands in front of axle. Jack axle up, remove wheels, shocks. Lower the axle down 'till no tension on shackles and remove shackles and U bolts, support axle on stands, remove front spring bolts and take the springs out.

Just use your noggin on what is resting on what or what is supporting what.

Mart.

[30aadoodlebug]

Thanks Mart!

Im a little gunshy when it comes to pulling springs. I did them in my fathers 40 fordor when I was a kid and almost lost my head!

Thankfully the body is off the car, so doing all this stuff is way easier.

[Mart]

Yeah just think about what you are doing and where the loading is. No heavy pre-tensioning and need for a spring spreader like the 40 type.

[19Fordy]

Here's how you remove the rear springs from a 49-51 Merc. I suspect your woodie is the same. Taken from 49-51 Merc Manual. I removed my Merc rear springs using this method with no problems. Of course you don't want to be lying on the ground under springs when then come loose.
TO REMOVE SPRINGS
1. Disconnect rear shocks from spring plate.
2. Jack up car and place jack stands under each side rail in front of front spring hanger.
3.Remove U-bolts and place support stands under axle housing.
4.Remove nuts and drive out rear stud and shackle assembly with a brass drift.
5.Remove nut and with a brass drift drive out pin attaching spring to front hangar.
TO INSTALL SPRINGS
1. Secure front end of spring to front hangar with pin and rubber bushings, then attach rear end to to rear hangar with shackle and rubber bushings. Torque nuts to 55-60 ft. lbs.
2. Lower axle housing until it rests on springs. Attach U-bolts and lower spring plate. Torque bolts to 55-60 ft. lbs.
3.Raise axle housing and attach rear shock absorbers. Install with stone shield (plate weled on shock absorber lower tube) toward front of vehicle. Torque upper and lower shock absorber retaining nuts to 45-50 ft. lbs. Remove frame support and axle housing stands.

[30aadoodlebug]

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Fordy,

Your car is a little more assembled than mine. Thanks for the info, it sounds like a breeze!

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by 30aadoodlebug

Fordy,

Your car is a little more assembled than mine. Thanks for the info, it sounds like a breeze!

It is very safe to do. The springs are not "loaded with energy" waiting to be released.

[30aadoodlebug]

Thanks Fordy,

The picture was more to show how far behind I am in restoring the car. Youre info was very helpful.

[paul2748]

Make sure you get the axle clear of the springs so no weight is on the springs.

[30aadoodlebug]

Springs are off! Thanks for the help fellas.

Jon

[19Fordy]

Hope the bushing bolts are reusable. Get new bushings.