I finished the restoration of my rear end this past weekend. Now I want to concentrate on the leaf springs, shackles, pins, zerks, bushings, u-bolts etc. So what is the safest way to disassemble the leafs from each other without them cutting my head off once they release? Any other tips are appreciated.

I sandblasted the steel pins/dowels that slide through the frame and into the leaf spring bushings. I have a feeling this was a mistake on my part b/c they are now slightly rough as opposed to that polished smooth look. Do I need to buy new pins now since I sandblasted them to a slight rough texture? I hope I didn't ruin these.

For parts like these, does it just make more sense to get all new parts (bushings, pins, set bolts, zerks, etc) from Mid-Fifty minus the leafs?

 

the use of a police bomb disposal robot and a a hot wrench ?????????????? mine didna come flying apart on the 1 ton or any of the 1/2 tons i've dissassembled to this point . wrap a piece of chain round 'em if your concerned with a bolt to hold it in place / together . now if it was a coil spring , welp yeah they can do some unexpected things when your trying to work with 'em and you aren't thinking ...............

 

Get 2 large (about 10 to 12 inch) C clamps. Put one on either side of the center bolt of the spring, then remove the center bolt. Then release the clamps one turn at a time. Assembly is just the reverse.

 

I usually put them in a vice, take the center pin out and then release the vice jaws...

 

Hmm.. Ok. That doesn't sound too bad to do. I was just afraid that they would pop and squirm the second I started releasing the bolts/shackles.

Now how about the disposable parts that I asked about? Should I just get new ones?

 

Thanks guys for the C-clamp idea. I think the leaf springs are under about 1/8 - 1/4 of tension per leaf, and once you release the center bolt and start loosening the C-Clamp then it starts to separate, nothing violent though.

I was able to push out the bearing off of the non-pin shackle side, but the bushing on the other end where the pin shackle is mounted was an absolute beeoch. I used my 12 ton press and it didn't come out. So I took a 3/4" socket and a BFH and knocked the snot out of the bushing until it came out. Unfortunately my 3/4" socket was stuck then, but the 12 ton press was able to push that out.

Anyway, its time to complete a list of new bolts, pins, set pins, bushings, zerks, etc for the suspension and place an order at Mid-Fifty this week. Sanding, primer, and paint should be completed this weekend if all goes well.

 

Yes..the c-clamps work well. I did all 4 of my spring packs with them. Granted...mine is a 1/2 ton so the spring packs are not as thick. I got away with using 6" clamps.