Technical Spring spreaders

Here are pix of spring spreaders that I've collected over the years. I'm posting this to:

1. help @chessterd5 with his "Lipstick on a pig" project, &

2. to have spring spreader ideas available to all hambers.

Please add your pix to this thread if you have any.

So; here are the pix (if any of these are your photos please step up and take credit):

 

Wow a lot of info there, You had me somehow thinkinking those things that get stuck in coil springs that like to pop out.

I've got to mark this for later and study it a bit.

 

Thanks for the help it is appreciated!

 

I think you covered the subject very well. Most people think the spring simply bolts on..

 

That’s a huge variety for sure. Some great ones and some I wouldn’t trust my life with. Even with a correct early ford spreader there is a whole lot of pressure when you get near putting the shackles in. Be careful out there.

 

This works with the Quick Change on a Model A rear spring in my car, with stock or reversed eyes.

 

I remember many years ago (50 or so) to remove the rear end from myA bone ( 2 door sedan) I put two pieces of 2 X 4 between the spring and the axle. Then stacked bags of sand on the back seat untill the spring was spread enough to take tension off of the shackles. Removed the shackles. took sand bags out. Jacked car up . removed spring. Don't need no stinking spring spreader

 

^^^^^^ and I thought I was the only person that did that type of thing……
(Although I used the weight of the engine, not bags of sand).

 

Taking this unusual lowering attempt out, zero travel with spring riding on the axel tube. Original later spring spreader roughly modified for a model A. I found the only way to properly reference the square head of the through bolt into the chassis of a model A with the body on was to cut a hole in the floor. The floor is almost touching the crossmember.

 

Ouch! That spring has seen better days.

 

This one is mine that I made to install a painted reverse eye spring. Bill

 

Mongo install springs, easy...

 

Mongo only a pawn in the game of life.
It only matters where the choo-choo goes.

 

Almost 60 years working on old Fords and have never used a spring spreader; I have always use a long threaded rod and good C clamps to take apart or assemble springs.

Front springs a wood block under the eye and clamp over the axle and center bolt to spread enough to get the shackle in.

Now in the car on an A or T spring over axle may be a different matter; but that need has escaped me.

 

Me too. On a spring over like a model A, I install only the main leaf first. To do that, I hook up one side, and put a 2x4 between the axe and spring eye on each end, which holds the shackle up near level, and sit on the spring to get the other end hooked up.

 

Going to add a few photos here.

I made my simple spreader for stock non reversed springs from 1" square tube and 1/2" or so threaded rod.

The main point of the story is to use TWO nuts, one acts as an index point
for measuring progress and the other the jam nut that advances the spring.

Measure the "spread" distance of your shackles eyes on the axle then get the spring spread as close as you can on the bench with a tape measure before moving to the install.

BE VERY CAREFUL, I've seen a spring DESTROY the spreader and luckily not anyone whom was close...

 

Here's a set up I used to spread the leaf spring, but all so set the ride height.
This only works with the spring mounted in the frame.


The bottom bolt that is at the bottom of the spring is protected with a 1-1/4" wood dowel

 

I have used the spring spreader that my great uncle made when he owned the Ford dealership in Alexandria NE. for the last 50+ years. He went broke in the mid 30's but the spreader lives on. Simple design made from 1 1/4 ready bolt inserted into a thick wall tube with the end of the tube and ready bolt smashed flat, heavy flat washer welded on the tube and a big square nut for adjustment. Simple but efficient.

 

@lumpy 63 just posted another spring spreader in the whatcha workin on thread. It's made to clear a quick change rear. Here's his pic:

 

An old guy told me to use a Porta Power...good advice?

 

On the front that will work.

On the rear you still have to get around the banjo somehow.

 

Good point re: the rear...

 

Good point about the rear.

 

I really like the first photo for "A" spring nice and safe.