pull engine or rearend?

[hardtimes]

I all ways pull the rear end. Jack up rear of Body and frame. Remove wheels and tires. Side rear end out. I have never considered danger of Spring until I read these posts. I don't have a spring spreaded, could 3 pieced of heavy chain work?? Wrapped around rear end and spring and bolted together with grade 8 bolts or the like. Thanks for your advise !!!

Hey Spokes,
You've been a 'LUCKY' young man ! Do NOT depend on luck in this area when working on the Model A. Buy The large C clamps and use for safety.
Couple of reasons why not to rely on luck:
- check out ends of spring / hangers , lots of those are in BAD condition ;
- check out the looks of the center bolt, rusted out original and /or substandard grade steel , unknown replacement

These are not only major considerations, but should be enough to engage your natural self preservation instinct,eh !!

 

[Pat Martone]

Thank you, Brent.
What you've stated makes sense.
Based upon what Tom and you have indicated, I'll be sure to leave the spring in the car the next time I remove the rear end.

 

[Cape Codder]

If the spring is left in the car as Brent has suggested and just bring the rear end out, is the spring actually not under tension at this point? If the spring does still have some tension how does one take it out safely because as soon as the spring mounting bolts are taken off there goes the containment of the spring. Correct? Just some thoughts.

 

[Tom Endy]

If the spring is left in the car as Brent has suggested and just bring the rear end out, is the spring actually not under tension at this point? If the spring does still have some tension how does one take it out safely because as soon as the spring mounting bolts are taken off there goes the containment of the spring. Correct? Just some thoughts.

The safe procedure to remove a Model A rear axle assembly is to install a proper spring spreader to capture the tension in the spring so that you can remove the shackle bolts and remove the rear axle assembly from the car for what ever is the task. The spring spreader can be left in place indefinitely until you are ready to reinstall the rear. While it is in place it is holding the tension that the rear axle assembly was holding before it was removed.

If you want to remove the spring from the car for restoration, you collapse the spring spreader and remove it. The spring is then not under lethal tension and the U-bolts can be removed and the spring safely removed from the car.

The spring still has some residual tension in it, but it is very little and certainly not dangerous. The residual tension is caused by the compaction of the leaves together. This is when a C-clamp can be used for convenience to remove and install the center bolt.

When it is time to reinstall the spring attach it to the cross member on the frame with the U-bolts. To reinstall the rear axle assembly, once again install the spring spreader and crank it out to provide the distance needed to install the rear.

This the safe way to handle the Model A rear spring. You can pull the rear axle assembly from the car with the spring still attached as many people do and probably get away with it. But, it is not safe. A Model A spring under tension should be safely bolted to the cross member on the underside of the car.

Tom Endy

 

[redmodelt]

After you pull the rear end take off the pedals and U-joint. The pedals so they don't get hung up and the U-joint because you will not get the trans/bell housing back far enough to drop down.

 

[Cape Codder]

Thanks Tom for the clarification.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

This tool isn't needed, but it sure makes the job easier. I finally got around to making this a year or so ago. It really helps when working alone.

 

[Vonn Ditch]

Holee-cow, if you read all these posts you would think Machine Girl is trying to disarm a land mine. Just unbolt that rear end roll it out of the way and go at that clutch.