Thread: Rear buddy spring on a model A

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I made up a spring to try but I can't get it in the car,I took it apart but can't assemble it in the car.I tried using my port a power but it won.t clear the rear end.I couldn't borrow a spring spreader.Any help?
I am also on the Hamb but they have been down for a few days.Thanks

Any tricks to installing a buggy spring with the rear end in the car,I haven't located a spring spreader,my porta power won't clear the rear end,not enough room to take spring apart and assemble in the car.I borrowed a friction jack and will try that next.Thanks

There is a tool that latches onto the spring so a porta power can spread it safely. I don't know of any other way, I am sure there is.. I just don't know how others do it safely.

I've seen this tool referenced on several forums where the question comes up from time to time. I've never used one, and don't own one. Just passing on info - Deluxe Rear Spring Spreader

I'd probably go looking for a large turnbuckle, weld up some ends to grab the spring while leaving access to the spring eyes, mess with it all day with parts flying all over the shop before ordering the tool.

Google Images for Leaf Spring Spreader Tool - https://www.google.com/search?q=leaf...o&ved=0CEsQsAQ

Originally Posted by 34_40

There is a tool that latches onto the spring so a porta power can spread it safely. I don't know of any other way, I am sure there is.. I just don't know how others do it safely.

Do you know the company that makes the tool that attaches to the porta power?

Sorry no.. I'll check with a friend and see if he knows or see if I can't get a name

It's kind of a shade tree method, but how about putting a pair of big C-clamps on either side of the center bolt, remove it and replace with a piece of all thread rod, or better yet a long, Grade 8 bolt with a full depth nut on the bottom. Loosen the C-clamps, then use the nut to release the tension on the spring. Once slack you will be able to spread the main leaf by hand, or with a little assistance from a ratchet strap or lever. With the main leaf in the shackles re-tighten the nut on the long bolt, replace the C-clamps securely on both sides of the bolt and remove the long bolt to replace the original center spring bolt and you're done.

Originally Posted by rspears

It's kind of a shade tree method, but how about putting a pair of big C-clamps on either side of the center bolt, remove it and replace with a piece of all thread rod, or better yet a long, Grade 8 bolt with a full depth nut on the bottom. Loosen the C-clamps, then use the nut to release the tension on the spring. Once slack you will be able to spread the main leaf by hand, or with a little assistance from a ratchet strap or lever. With the main leaf in the shackles re-tighten the nut on the long bolt, replace the C-clamps securely on both sides of the bolt and remove the long bolt to replace the original center spring bolt and you're done.

Thanks,
there is not enough room under the car to do this.

Originally Posted by SDLuck

Thanks, there is not enough room under the car to do this.

Oh well, I figured you'd have to drop the spring out of the cross-member and let everything drop down to get room, but it was a stretch anyway.

Originally Posted by rspears

Oh well, I figured you'd have to drop the spring out of the cross-member and let everything drop down to get room, but it was a stretch anyway.

If i remove the rear end from the car that might work.

Originally Posted by SDLuck

If i remove the rear end from the car that might work.

Yes I can do that,but I am try to get a rough Idea on how many leafs to start with?