help my truck is on stands and i cannot get the rear leaf spring back in place what should i do. i was putting on a add-a-leaf for the first time??

 

I remember getting things really close by hand, but for the last fraction of an inch or so I had to use a huge pry bar to help muscle it that last little bit so I could get the bolt into place.

Is that the problem, getting things lined up for the bolt?

 

If you are having trouble lining up the leaf spring's bolt holes with the frame hangars try using a large tapered pin punch to help get the holes aligned.

I would try to get the front part of the spring bolted up first since the rear has a bit more play and is easier to fit up.

Lou Braun

 

the problem is the bolt that runs through the leafs i can gert it to seat in the block on the bottom

 

Muscle and pry bars.

 

Keep the truck jacked up and jack up the axle with a jack that can roll freely. Then get a couple strong buddies to help ya manipulate it back into place.

 

well threin lies the problem....im all alone.



chris

 

if i just push on the axel and get it in place can i damage anything by doing this.

chris

 

I'm assuming that you have both leaf springs bolted in place on the truck and the rear axle is not yet bolted up to the springs.

When you installed the add-a-leaf, you probably installed a new bolt through the center of the spring pack. The head of the bolt needs to be pointed downwards so that the bolt head will fit into the hole in the block that goes between the axle and the spring pack.

Check the diameter of that bolt head and make sure it will fit into the hole in the block. If the bolt head is too big in diameter, the springs will not bolt up.

If everything is OK, position the axle below the spring packs and use a pair of jacks to get that axle into an approximate position. Put a block in place on one side, install the U-bolts on that side and get it bolted up. The first side goes in fairly easily.

To fit up the second side, you will have to jack the axle upwards into place and will probably have to move the spring pack inward or outwards to get the spring pack bolt into the hole in the block. Get it close, install the U-bolts loosely and use a pry bar until the bolt drops into the hole in the block.

When I did this job, I used two jacks and a long pry bar. Things lined up almost perfectly and only minor prying was needed.

Lou Braun

 

i use two come-alongs.. they are $15 a peice a wally mart... you get one to pull backward and one up or down.... takes no muscle and i can do it in about 2 minutes.... ive had my rear leaf springs in and out, about 10 times, playing with differnt combinations.. i found this method works best

 

well i did it....i ended up using a comealong wrapped arount the front tire and everthing fell right into place. thank you all for your help

chris