spring spreader info or pics

he dan drop over to my workshop u can borrow mine ive got the diff out of my 35 at the moment lol regards scott
 
danliveshere said:
Ok thanks John. I'll fab 2 brackets to stop em slippin!
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Dan, you may already have your safety brackets made by now but here is a sketch with dimensions that I just found. As they say, better late than never...........;) You may want to adjust these dimensions some depending on your spreader design and the springs you need to spread.

SpreaderStrap.jpg
 
If you're making one, I agree, the bigger diameter threaded bar you can find the better. Just my opinion, but I reckon it is best to have the adjuster part offset to one side, I think it will be less likely to buckle, the middle is the weak spot in my view.
This is especially true if using it on a 32-34 rear spring, as the diff gets in the way of a straight shot. The frame has to be extra strong, surround the diff, and the threaded part on one side has to be in a direct line between the spring eyes.

Sorry, no pics, but just some ideas.

Mart.

Mart.
 
Fordfed said:
Great forum subject since I have just received my new front leaf spring today that I planned on installing on my 39-ford truck. I like the suggested spring replacement process from PeteVS. Since I don’t have the ability to manufacture a spreader like the ones shown. Is there any disadvantage to using this method of installing one leaf at a time?
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Make sure you have a good and long center bolt as you will need it. You can use the weight of the car to compress the spring, tighten the bolt as you go, and cut off the excess when done.
 
Yep; using a new LONG center bolt you can assemble the spring in place [ big C clamps help] Wrapped springs do not use this method. Newc
 
I can tell you from experience that no matter what kind of spreader you use, doing a 14 leaf covered station wagon rear spring will make you nervous. I hope to never have to do that again.
 
If using all-thread, remember that hardware and auto parts store all-thread is typically Grade 2. You need to go to somewhere like Grainger or a specialty supplier to get a heavier grade.
 
Shame on me: Doing a normal service (oil and grease) on the lift my old eyes noticed on the rear right spring eye half missing and four broken leafs. I don't like tail draggers that will effect front geometry. All I could find online is reverse eye springs no good those lower the car. Middle of the night my brain flash! Eaton Detroit Spring. Called them No problem for $575 two weeks .we had genuine Ford shackles in stock OK. Never used a spreader or porta power. So easy, common floor jack under the eye then cut off shackle then the other side. (car is on jack stands) impact gun on 4 U bolts >spring OUT: Most people will fight getting 77 yr old shackles apart why they are toasted too. cut them off.. This story is all about Eaton Detroit the spring its perfect well worth it. They were and still a major supplier of all make light & heavy trucks and busses. In closing you do not need a spreader just a floor jack........Now the car is at proper height and even steers easier!!
Eaton > 10 stars
 
deuce_roadster said:
I can tell you from experience that no matter what kind of spreader you use, doing a 14 leaf covered station wagon rear spring will make you nervous. I hope to never have to do that again.
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Oh yeah!

Plus, at least at my current age, it takes about all I have to spread the spring far enough.
 
You guys using a portapower, did you fabricate special wedge ends to fit the spring? Please explain and share photos. Thanks.
 
ndnchf Most common portapowers come with only one wedge ya have to make one. I did try the porta power with car on lift and it exploded lots of force on springs, thats why I use a floor jack under the schackle little force because you are arching ONE side not TWO. And I did all with no help either. Hard to note that after cutting schackles off letting jack down how much the spring drops big time: Can't imagine a spreader spreading both sides thats wicked force, thats why a floor jack safe nothing will slip or fly at you try it with the car on the ground but with jack stands you see the car with tires still on the ground that is the weight needed transmitting this weight to the Jack..then the other side, drop U bolts and old spring drops down also with jack lowering the spring. I came upon this way being a kid changing a Model T spring never heard of a spring spreader then & did not have a floor jack only one of those jacks that had a crank..Now to install the hard part had to use plenty of heat to get the top threaded pins out,, surprise there is a hardened steel bushing in there, Mini air saw, chisel, nope finally had to blow it out with cutting torch carefully. This is the housing (top). I think it was first made that way, but my new Ford kit uses bubber bushings not steel. I think Ford replacements being rubber was a time savor for the dealer......sam
 
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