Help on installing rear leaf spring
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Federal Way WA
Help on installing rear leaf spring
I'm in the middle of an install on the rear leaf spring, and I'm sorta stuck. I've got the old one off, and the new one....sorta..on?
Anyways, I'm confused as to how the new one should go on. Do I bolt it up with that plate in the center first, and then jack up each side? Also, it seems like each bolt is about an inch away from the holes in the leaf spring. I bought the spring from Corvette Central, the year correct one and everything. I tried turning it 180 degrees to see if there was a built in warp in the spring, but it didn't change much, if any.
As it sits, the car is on jack stands, the right side is installed, the center plate is not bolted up, and the left is just "chillin". Am I going about this the wrong way? I'll take some pics in the morning when it's brighter out.
Anyways, I'm confused as to how the new one should go on. Do I bolt it up with that plate in the center first, and then jack up each side? Also, it seems like each bolt is about an inch away from the holes in the leaf spring. I bought the spring from Corvette Central, the year correct one and everything. I tried turning it 180 degrees to see if there was a built in warp in the spring, but it didn't change much, if any.
As it sits, the car is on jack stands, the right side is installed, the center plate is not bolted up, and the left is just "chillin". Am I going about this the wrong way? I'll take some pics in the morning when it's brighter out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 97
From: Lake Norman, NC
Been there too. I found success by removing the shock absorber on the side still needing the connection - this way, the trailing arm drops a bit and the lower knuckle is then more "flexible" for positioning vs the spring bolt. Might need another set of hands to get it together. Still some muscling may be needed, however, at least for me, this worked just fine.
I hope this helps you some...
I hope this helps you some...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 5
From: punta gorda florida
spring
there should be enough movement of bolt to get it in the spring i had to jack it uo quite a bit to get the bolt in spring when you get in spring put on cushion and washer and nut then slowly lower that side and do other same way be sure to block jack to keep it from slipping i clamped a piece of wood to spring once u get bolts in holes everything seems to settle in to place
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
