Rear shackle bolts and busings

[usered]

I need to replace the rear shackle bolts and bushings on my '34. A couple of the bolts are stripped and won't tighten and the bushings appear to be completely worn out.

Question is what do I have to do with the rear spring to get these out. Can I just raise the body up to get the weight off the spring?

Thanks, Ed

[VeryTangled]

G'morning Ed, I can't help a whole lot on 34's. Except to say that I've had to do the rear shackles on our '36 twice (and fronts once) and there are many pieces of advice that will help, such as "brush up on your 'colorful language' skills."

In an attempt to be helpful, and get you going immediately, can I gently suggest you use the "Search This Forum" feature to see what's been said on similar topics in the past because you're not alone in wanting advice on this job.

We ended up enlisting an experienced guru, who was invaluable. We also used a spring spreader all three times we had springs out of the car.

In some cases we were able to drive the bushings out, in some cases we used a saw and gently worked at splitting the bushing to free it.

One tool we found helpful was a brass rod to use in place of a punch or chisel, the idea that the brass is softer and less likely to mark-up or deform your parts. If you mushroom the end of the bushing when trying to drive it out it will make it worse not better. If you want to bang on the threaded end of the bushing, put an old nut on there first.

Someone else will be along soon to give expert opinion/advice.

Edited to add a drawing I got from VanPelt Sales, and some links to other threads.

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ckle&showall=1
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...hlight=shackle
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...hlight=shackle

-VT/Jeff

[usered]

Thanks, for your info and sites. I've in past replaced the shackle and bushings similar to what everyone one else has said, but its always been with the body off the frame. Much easier. Question is with the body on the frame do I have to remove the spring or is there a way to release the tension on the spring without removing it?

2nd question is a model A spring compressor the same as for a say '34?

[jack in san diego]

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You should follow most peoples advice and use a spring spreader. good luck