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new leaf spring install help.

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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 09:07 PM
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Default new leaf spring install help.

Putting the new leaf spring on the chassis (body off). I can't compress the spring enough with a jack before the whole chassis lifts off the ground.

Any ideas on how to compress the spring to attach it to the T arms. I was thinking of maybe using bar clamps in conjunction with the jack...or maybe putting a 1000 lb sand bag over the back end.
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 09:21 PM
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Jack up the rear equally like your going to change the tires, t-arms will drop. Easy to put on then, may need a jack to help get on the rest of the way
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by miechesa
Jack up the rear equally like your going to change the tires, t-arms will drop. Easy to put on then, may need a jack to help get on the rest of the way
Do you disconnect the shocks?
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Smokin Joe
Putting the new leaf spring on the chassis (body off). I can't compress the spring enough with a jack before the whole chassis lifts off the ground.

Any ideas on how to compress the spring to attach it to the T arms. I was thinking of maybe using bar clamps in conjunction with the jack...or maybe putting a 1000 lb sand bag over the back end.

Use an 2x4. place the 2x4in between the spring and the strut rod and lift up on the end of the 2x4 and have someone put the bolt through the eye. You can use the 2x4 for both installation and removal. (This tip came from BAIRS corvettes video)
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldguard 7
Use an 2x4. place the 2x4in between the spring and the strut rod and lift up on the end of the 2x4 and have someone put the bolt through the eye. You can use the 2x4 for both installation and removal. (This tip came from BAIRS corvettes video)
thanks, do you know if this will bend the strut rods, I have old strut rods that were bent by a shop that I could use. I definately don't want to bend the replacements.
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 10:04 PM
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No it will not. The BAIRS tech demonstrated it on the video. The vette was on a two post lift. However it will work if you have your vehicle high enough from the ground. Quoting the tech, its a lot easier than jacking it or chaining it.
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldguard 7
No it will not. The BAIRS tech demonstrated it on the video. The vette was on a two post lift. However it will work if you have your vehicle high enough from the ground. Quoting the tech, its a lot easier than jacking it or chaining it.
about how high was it?
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 10:42 PM
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In the video, the vehicle was on a two post lift and it was over his head. Im sure this will work if you have your vehicle 10-12 " from the ground. What you are doing is using the 2x4 as a prybar. Choose a length of wood that will allow you take the tension off the bolt end of the spring while another person removes the cotter pin and castle nut.
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by miechesa
Jack up the rear equally like your going to change the tires, t-arms will drop. Easy to put on then, may need a jack to help get on the rest of the way
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