Steel leaf spring issue
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Steel leaf spring issue
I replaced my steel leaf spring and bushings on my 79 and for some reason one side wont line up with the bolt.I kept the four mounting bolts loose.It's not rocket science. I'm using jacks.Am I doing something wrong?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
I have a special clamp that I attach to the spring...so when I lower it down..I set a jack stand by this clamp so it allows the spring to compress and get the bolt to go through the spring and I can get the bushing, washer, nut and cotter pin on. The I do the other side. Then I set the car down and make sure it has settled...then I go under the car and torque the four bolts. Sometimes they are "FUN"...but I have not had an issue with a spring ever.
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,302
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi C,
Might the problem be that the trailing arm is un-supported and dropped down. It needs to be raised up to a fairly level point to make the t-arm/spring bolt connection easier.
This is because the spring moves straight up and down, but the t-arm travels in an arc.
Maybe?
Regards,
Alan
Here the t-arm is supported and the spring is being jacked up to make the bolt connection.
Might the problem be that the trailing arm is un-supported and dropped down. It needs to be raised up to a fairly level point to make the t-arm/spring bolt connection easier.
This is because the spring moves straight up and down, but the t-arm travels in an arc.
Maybe?
Regards,
Alan
Here the t-arm is supported and the spring is being jacked up to make the bolt connection.
Last edited by Alan 71; Feb 7, 2014 at 06:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
It is depending on how loose you have the four bolts. You do not want to torque then at this time...but getting them snug will help. Also making sure that the spring is centered by the pin that goes in the rear end cover as designed.
I have a special clamp that I attach to the spring...so when I lower it down..I set a jack stand by this clamp so it allows the spring to compress and get the bolt to go through the spring and I can get the bushing, washer, nut and cotter pin on. The I do the other side. Then I set the car down and make sure it has settled...then I go under the car and torque the four bolts. Sometimes they are "FUN"...but I have not had an issue with a spring ever.
DUB
I have a special clamp that I attach to the spring...so when I lower it down..I set a jack stand by this clamp so it allows the spring to compress and get the bolt to go through the spring and I can get the bushing, washer, nut and cotter pin on. The I do the other side. Then I set the car down and make sure it has settled...then I go under the car and torque the four bolts. Sometimes they are "FUN"...but I have not had an issue with a spring ever.
DUB
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Its possible the arm is not jacked up enough.Try again tomorrow.
Thanks
Thanks
Hi C,
Might the problem be that the trailing arm is un-supported and dropped down. It needs to be raised up to a fairly level point to make the t-arm/spring bolt connection easier.
This is because the spring moves straight up and down, but the t-arm travels in an arc.
Maybe?
Regards,
Here the t-arm is supported and the spring is being jacked up to make the bolt connection.
Might the problem be that the trailing arm is un-supported and dropped down. It needs to be raised up to a fairly level point to make the t-arm/spring bolt connection easier.
This is because the spring moves straight up and down, but the t-arm travels in an arc.
Maybe?
Regards,
Here the t-arm is supported and the spring is being jacked up to make the bolt connection.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,302
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi c,
Yes, moving the t-arm up and down has the effect of moving the bolt forward and backward. While the spring bolt hole moves in and out as the spring moves up and down.
I like to have the t-arm level and jack the spring end up to meet the bolt.
Regards,
Alan
Yes, moving the t-arm up and down has the effect of moving the bolt forward and backward. While the spring bolt hole moves in and out as the spring moves up and down.
I like to have the t-arm level and jack the spring end up to meet the bolt.
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
EXACTLY like Alan has shown.It will go in and work.
DUB
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
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