Spring Spreading Methods

B

Banky

Senior Member
Hi all,

Anyone have a good method of spreading front & rear springs to insert new shackles? I know there's a tool for this, just wondering if there is a cheaper option that is still safe. Probable not, but I just wanted to check.

thanks,
Banky
 
Best option is to get the tool. All the front ends that I've taken apart, you could get the front spring off without a spreader. But these were out from under the car. You need a spreader of some kind for the rear spring.
 
Banky, take it from me (first HAND experience) get the rear spring spreader. It may cost more then your emergency room co-pay. But what is the pain worth? Maybe someone in your local model a club has one.
 
Are you around a club? Many have them to loan out. That's how I got one to do my springs.
 
I made my own...using black iron pipe so I could weld on it and some 3/4" all thread...worked just like the ones you buy...and much cheaper...I am planning to add some Harbor Freight 4" chisel ends on it soon...you can also make it into a front spring spreader by just using a short straight piece of pipe... someday I am going to find some bearings so it is easier to work, but that is one of those nice to do projects, it works well using just oil on washers ......and I don't need it that often.
 
I use a porta power. Mine came with an adapter for the rear spring.
If you get a new one you might have to fabricate this.
It was $50 on ebay.
 
please buy the REAR spreader !! dont want to see you in the obits ! i have a home made one thats very heavy duty & works great . the rear spring is the most dangerous part of the "A" . i know from many experiences !!!!!!!!
 
OK, I am hearing what you're all saying. Now is not the time to cut costs! I'm checking to see if anyone I know has one? Otherwise I'll take the hit and buy one.

Thanks!

P.S. Are you all sure a ratchet strap won't work? Hee Hee, no seriously.....
 
I took off a spring with a floor jack and a chain once. ONCE! Pretty high pucker factor when things started slipping. Won't take that chance again.
 
I have a pick-up and just stick some short 2X4's between the axle housing and the
end of the springs and shackles and start loading the bed with junk until the spring
spreads out and you can pull the shackles out. Works on the front also.
I wouldn't risk it on a different body style though.

Bob
 
This may make you all cringe, but removing the shackles was not problem. Have the A on jack stands under the frame, and a jack under the axle. Removed the nuts, and pounded out the bolts. Sprung a few inches of course, but no harm. Did I have a guardian angle that day???
 
The safest way is to slide the rearend out from under the car. Then you are not confined in a high energy zone and trusting jack stands. This is one I made using channels and angles. I tried the store bought spreaders and they are not safe in my opinion. This was not expensive to make and there is no welding required. Everything is in compression except the "all thread" bolts.


Those springs have a lot of energy and caution must be used. The center bolt in some of the old springs are rusted in half and can break without warning. The springs should be clamped together with "C" clamps in case the center bolt breaks.
 

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I made one Identical to what you're describing. When it let go, it just missed my leg and traveled another twelve feet in to the bushes. The 3/4" 10 threaded rod was bent about twenty degrees. I chickened out of using it alone for installation. I chained it up the spring and used my backhoe to push it down. It slid against a 2 x 4 with a little grease on it. By bringing the rear bucket down slowly and gently, I was able to get it into position to install the shackle. Use your creation on the front spring, but don't try it on the rear! People underestimate the power in these springs. I know cause I underestimated it, I'm lucky that I still have my right leg.
Terry




jrapose said:
I made my own...using black iron pipe so I could weld on it and some 3/4" all thread...worked just like the ones you buy...and much cheaper...I am planning to add some Harbor Freight 4" chisel ends on it soon...you can also make it into a front spring spreader by just using a short straight piece of pipe... someday I am going to find some bearings so it is easier to work, but that is one of those nice to do projects, it works well using just oil on washers ......and I don't need it that often.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
jrapose said:
I made my own...using black iron pipe so I could weld on it and some 3/4" all thread...worked just like the ones you buy...and much cheaper...I am planning to add some Harbor Freight 4" chisel ends on it soon...you can also make it into a front spring spreader by just using a short straight piece of pipe... someday I am going to find some bearings so it is easier to work, but that is one of those nice to do projects, it works well using just oil on washers ......and I don't need it that often.
Click to expand...

i would be very cautious about adding anything from harbor freight onto your spring tool....
 
Banky, if you are within a reasonable distance of Central PA, call me at 814-571-7893 and I will gladly loan you my front and/or rear HD spreaders (Mike's truck catalogue Page "Chassis 112" T5301MOD and T5302MOD) rather than see you hurt yourself.
 
OC1Dave......THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE OFFER!!! Really cool of you, that's why I love the Ford Barn and it members.

However, after two round trips I'd be looking at 12 hrs total. Would prob make more sense to buy it.

BUT THANKS AGAIN!
 
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