Re: Leaf springs

Posted by Bob J On 2022/5/29 13:26:32

I agree with your idea. I have had a local shop replace a number of different leaves in a few different cars. If you take the broken leaf in you can have one cut to match.
To open the set of springs remove the differential. Place a clamp on both sides of the centre bolt. With the clamps in place undo and remove the centre bolt. Replace the centre bolt with a long threaded rod (I use about a 12" long one). Tighten the threaded rod with a nut and washer on both ends leaving a long end of the rod to the top or bottom, whichever you have the most room. Remove the two clamps then unwind the nut on the long end of the threaded rod until all leaves open and all spring load is gone. Keep the leaves in order and get the broken one replaced. While they are undone clean all the other leaf surfaces and repaint. Then spray both sides with graphite spray to allow smooth action after reassembly. The assembly is the reverse of the above (stack springs, insert threaded rod, tighten threaded rod, clamp both sides of the rod, remove rod, add and tighten centre bolt, remove clamps) allowing you to reuse the centre bolt. The U bolts on the differential carry the load of the springs so the old bolt will not be over loaded/stressed through its life unless it has been corroded. If so replace it with at least a grade 5 bolt, better yet a grade 8.