Sring Spreader

S

Steve Rinaldo

Member
I have 3 questions on spring spreaders as I would like to install the polyglide liners on my car:
1.Which of the spring spreaders is the easiest and safest.
2. will the same tool work on "T" springs?
3. Is there a special tool made to compress the springs, or will c-clamp home made rig work ok?
Thanks Steve
 
I don't use a spreader on either spring.. I remove the axle with spring and then dis-assemble the spring[ a couple c-clamps].. If you're not going to remove the main leaf, there is no need for a spreader.. If you're just going to grind off the 'crevices' , smooth the ends then install the liners you don't have to remove the main leaf, do you..
 
Re: Spring Spreader

I just replaced the rear spring in my 1930 coupe. I borrowed a spring spreader from a friend of mine who recently purchased it from Bratton's. It is plainted light green FYI. It's designed so it fits up against the spring eyes on the main leaf and has tabs that would make it very unlikely that it could slip off the spring.

I took the new spring apart using a chain to wrap the spring, some good sized "C" clamps and took my time. After disassembly I beveled the edges of the leaves down and put anti-seize between the leaves.

It was relatively safe and easy to use. Before trying to remove the spring you should wrap it in a chain in case something lets go.

BTW, my rear shackles didn't come out easily. Lesson to be learned there! Keep the shackles well greased. If you cannot get grease in the fitting heat things up a bit to unclog dried grease. If that doesn't work maybe the rusting has begun. Before I reassembled the shackles (new ones) I made sure they fit well (not too loose and not too tight) and I put some of that anti-seize stuff on them.

Good luck with your project. Be careful.
 
Bruce, thats a good point about the shackles.. We used to have a heck of a time getting grease in some Ford truck king pins.. We kept a good grease gun full of never-seize for that purpose as it worked better than grease at keeping them free..
 
I use a 2 ton portapower I paid $30 for at HF.
For the rear I made a short bent rod section to get over the banjo.
 
ever try 2 hardwood or steel pieces thick enough to support the shackles in a horizontal position? frame on jack stands drop axle, install pieces raise axle to free shackles, has worked for me for many years. lol Scotty
 
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