need rear suspention advice please

Im building a 33 ford 2 door & would like to lower the rear end, i have a replacement spring & am wondering the proper procedure to install it as far as after i mount it to the car, how do you bolt it to the rear end without bindig the shackles, also do you just jack on the end of the spring to line up the shackles? probably a dumb question but im a painter by trade so im out of my element here any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks

 

Though its really not recommended, i've done it with a jack, crowbar, & flat piece of metal(spacer between the eye/axle). The wieght of the car helps, but you really have to know how to use tools & place a jack. DONT DO IT IF YOUR . . . . . .

 

might be easiest to install the long leaf to the shackles and axle, then build the stack and use large C-clamps to get the center bolt in.
YOU CAN Get HURT with the loaded spring

 

I've done it with the C-clamps too, I use a long screwdriver down the spring center bolt hole to keep it lined up.

This technique typically requires you to fully remove the axle, spring, torque tube and all, out from under the car.

 

You could search spring spreader and there will be some info on the hamb.
Google will give you some places to purchase, and some more on the hamb
Be careful

 

Another way, if the spring is behind the axle, and not over the axle. Cut a 2x4 the width of the space between the spring eyes. Cut it at a slight wedge. Then hammer it in there between the spring eyes.
Unbolt (two U-bolts) the spring from the frame. Jack up the body/frame up a little, keeping the wheels on the ground.
The spring will clamp onto the 2x4 tightly as the body/frame goes up and off the spring. But not enough to strain the shackles (if the 2x4 was long enough).
Remove the shackles & spring carefully. Keep loved ones out of the garage.
Put the spring on the floor --Now use the big C-clamps on either side of the bolt. Remove the bolt, and slowly loosen the clamps until the spring leaves are loose. Now you have only the main leaf on the 2x4.

Reverse the order to reinstall.

 

where are you in Minnesota? if you are close to me your could come over and borrow my spring OTC spreader. makes it real easy

 

I'm in montevideo quite a ways away, thank you for the offer, what is that tool & how does it work maybe i can find one closer, Thank You, Craig