Spring Shackles???

JOHNNY1948

JOHNNY1948

Member
Hello, The previous owner of my '47 Ford Coupe added longer shackles to the front spring. This, I believe is what lowers the front. So, I'm looking to replace those longer shackles with stock ones. My question is: How do I begin? Are there any special tools required? Thanx in advance for any help. Johnny
 
You might need to borrow a spring spreader,other than that regular hand tools, a couple of jack stands and a floor jack, HRP
 
Those long shakles are not the best way to lower a car. A spring spreader or Porta Power would be usefull in relieving the force on those shackles. Some prefer using a bottle jack under the spring eye to do this, but not me. Think safety....these springs can hurt you if things go wrong. When you do this, make sure your shackle bushings are good, otherwise replace those as well.
 
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Basically it's a device that attaches/locks in at both ends of the spring, ususlly at the eyes, and then extends in length to spread the spring. I have some pictures saved in my computer files that I could post but I am using my Tablet now to respond here and don't believe I have any good pictures in these files. Maybe I can pull up some previous posts on this subject for you.

OBTW...welcome to the Fordbarn!! :)

Some previous posts on spring spreaders:

http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130993&highlight=spring+spreader

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108051&highlight=spring+spreader

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40986&highlight=spring+spreader
 
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JOHNNY1948

I 2nd the ~~~ WELCOME ~~~

Don't ever think You can't ask a Question here!

The Difference between a smart Guy & a DUMB A** is the smart guy know when to ask the Questions & if he still does not understand he asks for clarification. :D
 
Johnny, you shouldn't need a spring spreader- the 47's shackles should be hanging down vertically or even the reverse of earlier models. Look under the car and see if the shackles are vertical or near to it. If so the side so side movement is controlled by the panhard rod.

You should be able to put a jack under the end of the spring, relieve the load and slip the old shackles off. Then adjust the height and put the stock type on. Do one side at a time and make sure the car can't fall on you.

Mart.
 
Johnny- Without seeing your set-up, it's hard to say if you will need to unload the spring. I just recently did this and had a hard time getting my hands on a spreader. The porta-power unit is a good option here. Feels very safe and in control. I tried a couple of other methods and they felt a bit sketchy to me. Another plus for the porta- power was the ease of making adjustments when lining things back up during re-assyembly. Good luck with the project.
 
Lurker here. Thanks MART, after looking at my '47 super deluxe, I was thinking I didn't need a spring spreader due to the panhard rod. What you said is exactly the information I was looking for. I have been looking for reassurance as I am going to add longer shackles to lower it a bit.
 
dwick01, I'm headed the other way. Taking longer than stock shackles off & replacing with stock length shackles. Do you know the length (ctr to ctr) of your stock ones? I'll measure mine if you want. Johnny
 
just make sure to use jack stands on each side of your frame. the shackle pins take on the whole load of the front of your car. use a long piece of wood dowel to tap off rear shackle bar instead of laying under the car to do it. PLEASE!!.
 
Dick (& others). Maybe I won't try this as it sounds a bit too dangerous. I'm OK with a wrench but work in the driveway using a big pizza box for a creeper. (I ain't kiddn'). I thank you all for your suggestions. Johnny
 
Johnny - Welcome to the Fordbarn. There's a wealth of knowledge here for the asking.
To answer your question, I don't know of a spring spreader currently being produced. If I'm wrong, I trust someone will set the record straight. I've seen a number of home-made ones and most are very substantial looking.
With regard to the need for one, review Marts earlier post. I've changed front shackles on my '46 Tudor, going from long to stock, using only a jack and jack stands. No drama involved account the panhard bar in the suspension. Check MACS or other repo parts dealers for stock length shackles. MACS p/n 32-13023-2 @ $2.65 ea.
Good Luck!
 
Johnny,

When I go to my shop today, I'll take a picture of a homemade spreader I made with in expensive components from the hardware store. It's always worked great for me. If no one adds a picture by the time I get home, I'll post one.
 
Here's how I remove my shackles and disconnect my spring without a spring spreader. Although the pictures are rear axle, it works the same on the front. (Reverse of procedure is used to reconnect.)

First, jacked the car up and supported it on jack stands under the frame as shown.

I left the axle hanging on the shock absorber (it could also be supported by a floor jack) and lifted the end of the spring with a bottle jack just enough to take the pressure off of the shackle bolts. Nuts can be removed before or after placing the bottle jack.

IMG_4009.jpg


Then removed the shackle from one side.

IMG_4010.jpg


Then the other side. (Spring end did not budge a bit - held by the bottle jack.)

IMG_4011.jpg


Lowered the bottle jack and the spring slowly reached it's limit of where it wanted to bend to. No "boing" or nothin'.:)

IMG_4012.jpg
 
I have some links I just took off a 40 rear spring. I think they are 1.5" c to c. Free for postage.
I hope the actual shackles are OK. They are a pain to change and some new ones I installed only lasted till it was out the door. Complete junk. Good luck.
 
Johnny, I have not removed mine yet. They are covered in grease for some reason including the springs by the previous owner. Just curious, why are you going to change them back to the stock shackles? Is there a specific reason? Thanks.

What great instructions by the Professor! Those pics are priceless IMHO.
 
dwick01,
The shackles that are on my car are longer than stock and the car sits a bit too low in the front. The springs are pretty much flat (no arch) and it takes bumps terribly.
 
Andy said:
I have some links I just took off a 40 rear spring. I think they are 1.5" c to c. Free for postage.
I hope the actual shackles are OK. They are a pain to change and some new ones I installed only lasted till it was out the door. Complete junk. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Please tell us about the junk new ones. What material in the bushing and
the supplier.
 
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