Reinstalling leaf springs

[mrbill426]

   I am about finished "detailing" my rear axle assembly  and am about ready to reinstall the leaf springs.  Is there a good procedure (pics help) for making sure they are on "straight"?  It looks as though the parts don't go together in an exact fashion, but leave some wiggle room as the U-bolt nuts are tightened up.  The axle is off the car which is still on a rotisserie,  and will be installed later.

Thanks!
 

[Bullitt-]

I'm having a hard time remembering so it must not have been an issue, seems the spring center bolt placed everything.....I do recall having to tighten the U-bolts a little at a time to keep straight. 
This article may clear it up for you  http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/suspension/mopp_0303_installing_offset_hangers/photo_19.html

[Katfish]

The locating pin on the spring will align everything.  Once it fits in the perch hole, and the U-bolts are tightened, it will all come together.
You might be able to nudge it slightly before you torque it down, but I wouldn't think much.

[anlauto]

Yes, everything will fall into place and self-center itself with no problems.
If you've had the front hangers apart you shouldn't tighten the large shackle bolt until the car is under normal load.

[mrbill426]

Thanks guys 

I just want to be sure the springs are parallel to each other and to the frame when it's all bolted back on the car, so the wheels are pointed straight down the road.  When we pulled the axle assembly out one spring was pivoted and "pointed" off at a slight angle.  My body man said it appeared as though at one time in the past a tow truck driver may have yanked the car out of a ditch using the spring as a tie point   .  This car has been wrecked at least once.

Anyone know the torque specification for the U-bolt nuts?  And.... how long should the bolts be?  I am using Mopar performance U-bolts that I bought some time ago along with their super stock springs and front hangers  (which I decided not to use on this car) but they are awfully long.

 

[Bullitt-]

 service manual (1973) says 45 foot pounds

[mrbill426]

Thanks Bullitt 

service manual (1973) says 45 foot pounds

[HP2]

I just want to be sure the springs are parallel to each other and to the frame when it's all bolted back on the car, so the wheels are pointed straight down the road.  When we pulled the axle assembly out one spring was pivoted and "pointed" off at a slight angle.  My body man said it appeared as though at one time in the past a tow truck driver may have yanked the car out of a ditch using the spring as a tie point .  This car has been wrecked at least once.

Actually, E body springs are not parallel to each other nor to the frame. They are splayed wider at the shackle than at the front hanger by 1.67 degrees.  If you altered the location of one side, you may find the housing doesn't drop on to the centering pins.

[mrbill426]

Housing on to the center pins? 
I'll snap and post a photo tomorrow of what  have so far.  The inside (side to side) measurement between the front and rear spring eyes varies by about 1/8" right now, with U-bolts just snug.

 

Actually, E body springs are not parallel to each other nor to the frame. They are splayed wider at the shackle than at the front hanger by 1.67 degrees.  If you altered the location of one side, you may find the housing doesn't drop on to the centering pins.

[Rich G]

Don't forget there is a left and right spring too. ( at least the with the Mopar Performance springs)

[mrbill426]

Here are shots of what they look like now.

Rich G, both springs are stamped with the same part number of 3643594 and have the same number of leaves so I am assuming they are the same, left and right.

I understand the splayed concept now... am I going about this in the wrong fashion?    Figured it would be easier to install the springs and axle on the car as a unit; should I be planning on putting the springs on the car first and then lowering the axle down on top of them?  Seems awkward that way. 

 

[HP2]

Wrong? No, not necessarily.  Some guys like to install as a unit, some don't.  I usually will install the springs into the front hanger, then install the housing on the springs, then lift the whole thing up and hook up the shackles.

If you install as an assembly like you have it, you will want to loosen up the u-bolt nuts so you can slightly move the springs side to side. This will be necessary to get them into the splayed mounting position. If you torque everything now as is, you're going to be fighting them to get them into the car.

[mrbill426]

Ahhh I get it  , I wasn't thinking outside the box there... makes perfect sense now.  Thanks! 

Wrong? No, not necessarily.  Some guys like to install as a unit, some don't.  I usually will install the springs into the front hanger, then install the housing on the springs, then lift the whole thing up and hook up the shackles.

[twalker]

Just had to say - nice detailing job on the assembly!!!


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[burdar]

You need to install the front hangers onto the springs before you bolt them to the car.  There isn't enough room to install the bolt if the hangers are installed first.  Like Allan said, leave the nut/bolt loose until the car is sitting on its suspension.  I'd also leave the shackle nuts loose too.

Are your u-bolts loose or are they tight?  I'd leave them loose until the springs are bolted up...That way there is some movement at the centering pin.