leaf spring replacement with body off
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
leaf spring replacement with body off
I am working on a frame off rebuild (my first, and maybe last) and wondered how to put the rear leaf spring back on. Now that I don't have the body weight, I can't use the usual procedure. I was thinking of waiting till the rest of the car was back on the frame, but it seems like it would be a lot easier with it all out of the way. Any suggestions? 
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Re: leaf spring replacement with body off (carnutbob)
Ha.... I'm doing the EXACT same thing and will have the same dilemma.... I figure I'm just gonna have a couple of guys sit on each frame rail and put it on that way. If need be, I'll have them hold extra weight. Don't have any other suggestions. Hopefully someone else does.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Athol NY
Re: leaf spring replacement with body off (carnutbob)
I believe there is a hole in frame above trailing arm that you can run threaded rod (with appropriate washers and a nut on rod sticking through top of frame) then on lower end of threaded rod attach a clamp to grab leaf. Then by turning nut on upper part of rod, it will draw up the spring. I saw this in a NCRS restorer magazine. I'll try and dig it up. If I do, I can let you know which issue. 
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
Re: leaf spring replacement with body off (R 73 454)
Hmmm, this sounds promising. I have a large 8" c-clamp that I use to compress brake calipers when replacing pads. Maybe I can use a piece of channel or angle iron bolted to the bottom end of the threaded rod to hook the clamp to. Thanks for the suggestion. I will do a post after I see if it will work. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: leaf spring replacement with body off (carnutbob)
I did all four of my wheels in the garage with the body off.
Basically, I put the frame on jack stands to keep it from rolling,
and then cut some 2x4s to wedge between the #1 or #4 body mount brackets
and the exposed floor joists. Use a 3/8" lag bolt in the end to keep it from
slipping off the bracket - and a deck screw into the joist to hold it from slipping up top.
Cut the 2x4s a little long - and a slight angle on the top end.
That way - using a few taps from a hammer - it wedges in nice and tight.
It worked like a charm ... even better than the body - using the weight of my house instead.
[Modified by NHvette, 10:28 AM 6/24/2004]
Basically, I put the frame on jack stands to keep it from rolling,
and then cut some 2x4s to wedge between the #1 or #4 body mount brackets
and the exposed floor joists. Use a 3/8" lag bolt in the end to keep it from
slipping off the bracket - and a deck screw into the joist to hold it from slipping up top.
Cut the 2x4s a little long - and a slight angle on the top end.
That way - using a few taps from a hammer - it wedges in nice and tight.
It worked like a charm ... even better than the body - using the weight of my house instead.
[Modified by NHvette, 10:28 AM 6/24/2004]
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
Re: leaf spring replacement with body off (NHvette)
Wow! Why didn't I think of that? It just goes to show you that experience is worth a lot, and there's always more than one way to do something.
Thanks for the idea.
Thanks for the idea.
