Front spring u bolts

Res731

Res731

Senior Member
Im replacing the front spring and having a heck of a time getting the bolts on anywhere near enough to get the cotter pins in. Some details.

Reusing the old u bolts and nuts
Old spring was broken so I got a new set from snyders
I used slip plate between the leaves but I don't think it adds much height.
I followed less Andrews instructions and put a piece of webbing on top with grease
I did grind the top leaf edges
Yes, the center bolt is lined up with hole in frame

When installing, one bolt stripped all the threads out trying to get it tight enough for the cotter

How an I tell if I ground enough of a bevel on top row? Any other suggestions, lesson learned? I thought this would have been easier but certainly doesn't seem to be working out.

Thanks.

Rudy
 
Looks like it's tight up to cross member. At least the grease I had on webbing is spread on cross member so I'm assuming I'm getting enough contact.
 
Res731 said:
Looks like it's tight up to cross member. At least the grease I had on webbing is spread on cross member so I'm assuming I'm getting enough contact.
Click to expand...

Did you take the webbing out and try fitting it again? Like Tom said ford never had it and with a new spring it may make it too fat.
 
How many additional threads (turns on the nut) it will take to allow you to install the cotter pin? Since the spring height is the same on both springs (2 1/8"). As I Did I went to a truck spring shop and they made up longer U bolts. Trucks don't use cotter pins. They can set you up with a capture nuts and washers. Now there is no need for the cotter pins. Torque to 75 lbs. The above is how I addressed the same issue with my car in the last two weeks. Good Luck
 
Tom. I checked , no patch plate. I'm wondering if I need to grind the too leaf sone more. Will check this weekend.

Sea lugs. Yes all original and correct for year.

Sofield I barely can get the bolt through the head of the nut . Besides I stripped the threads on one so I'm going to get s replacement.

I'm also thinking perhaps the slip plate is a bit thick as its brushed on.
 
Res731 said:
I'm also thinking perhaps the slip plate is a bit thick as its brushed on.
Click to expand...

I made my own via open gear grease and graphite powder. Spread a thick layer on each leaf then tightened the center tie bolt up good. Squeezed out like playdough...

Im guessing your tryign to put the spring into the channel then attach it to an axle? Might be easier to attach to the axle first then lower the frame onto the spring lining up the square hole. I had to take a square file to the crossmember hole as the new bolt head was a bit bigger and wouldnt fully fit. Maybe thats an issue?

With the spring "stretched" or flattened from the weight of the frame/car it may be easier to get the clamp on.
 
Well I got it to work. Removed the felt, ground a bit more off top leaf and used new u bolts and now they fit pretty well.

Now to attach the axle.
 
I believe if you order new U bolts from any of the "A" parts suppliers you will probably receive the same length U bolts as the original which you say are to short. A truck spring repair shop will make you up the exact U bolts but to the length you need with the capture nuts and washers.

Just a though. Are you sure there isn't part of the old broken spring stuck up in the cross member? Good luck
 
Res731 said:
Im replacing the front spring and having a heck of a time getting the bolts on anywhere near enough to get the cotter pins in. Some details.



Reusing the old u bolts and nuts

Old spring was broken so I got a new set from snyders

I used slip plate between the leaves but I don't think it adds much height.

I followed less Andrews instructions and put a piece of webbing on top with grease

I did grind the top leaf edges

Yes, the center bolt is lined up with hole in frame



When installing, one bolt stripped all the threads out trying to get it tight enough for the cotter



How an I tell if I ground enough of a bevel on top row? Any other suggestions, lesson learned? I thought this would have been easier but certainly doesn't seem to be working out.



Thanks.



Rudy
Click to expand...



I found on my new drop axle on my 29 roadster pickup .. the Synders versions were to short ( I also added a 3/8 inch aluminum spacer in) my son when to the local trailer / spring shop ( Standdens) in Calgary and the threaded a prefect set slightly longer and charged 8 bucks each


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
It's HELL, getting OLD. Don't think I could wrestle a spring & "U" bolts anymore! Watched a Friend load leaves with the Center Bolt, ALMOST through & discovered the center bolt didn't have ENOUGH threads! +*#^%#%^
Bill Weakling
 
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