Rear Spring Clamp -not fitting

[George Iowa]

My rear spring clips are not fitting. The hole to insert the bolt is only half showing.
1. I made sure the small tab fit into the hole.
2. Used several C-clamps to put pressure on the clamp. No help.
3. Used several C-clamps on the spring to ensure leafs are together.

Maybe my problem is:
1. Painted each individual leaf. Top and bottom.
2. Don't have any weight except the frame on top of the leaf.
3. Did not try to install the spring clamp until I installed the rear springs.

What do you think? Did I paint myself into a corner. Or got the cart before the horse? Man you guys must have a good laugh at us newbies!

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Did you change any leafs or the clamps?

 

[George Iowa]

Tom, The clamp is new. I didn't have any before the rebuild. Is there a problem with the new clamps?

 

[peters180a/170b]

I have a old orginial clamp and it measure's 1-5/8 from top to center of hole. Try jacking the rearend off the ground from the center and the leafs will come down some.I found repro clamps need to file alittle more too. that dimple is 5/16. No laugh here been doing this stuff since 74 and still learning with alot more to go.

 

[Desi]

It sounds simple but make sure you have the correct number of leaf springs for your car. Most should have 8 or 10 but could be more if someone added to them over the years.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Tom, The clamp is new. I didn't have any before the rebuild. Is there a problem with the new clamps?

I have a rear spring clamp with FORD script and a spring thickness of 1.300" will fit between the clamp and bolt.

What is the measurment of the repro clamp?

 

[Bill Goddard]

Check Bratton's catalogue pg 36. There are different clamps due to differences in spring thickness from different suppliers.

 

[pat in Santa Cruz]

I had to drill out a repro clamp because it did the same thing you are experiencing. Check to see if it fits flat on the top spring. Peters point about filing the dimple is well taken. Some repros I have seen were bent upwards when the dimple was stamped and needed to be hammered flat. Gotta love 'em.