Changing Rear Leaf Springs

[b2tf]

Guys,

I'm planning on putting Superlows in the rear of the ute soon (next weekend to be exact). Another member will be doing most of the work and I am going to pass the spanners :hihi:, just wanted to know what the procedure is to get the old ones out and fit the new ones, anything special to look out for etc? I'm also told that the eye bushes (I think thats what it was) cannot be removed as they are pressed in? Does this sound right?

Thanks for any info and advice.

[dreadly]

Kinda really need a press, to get the old rubbers out and new ones in.
That said if you've got a good mallet, block of wood and some lube. ;)
If ya doing it d.i.y and get stuck could always melt the old ones out?
That said i got my pedders rear leafs fitted with rubbers for about $150.
So make sure ya's have a plan... or just pay and pick it up 1.5hrs later ;)

[DoreSlamR]

I found a bit of old exhaust pipe was the right size to bang them out. I forget the size, may have been 2 inch

Otherwise the procedure is pretty straight forward, just make sure you have an extra jack and blocks for the diff, you don't want that to fall on you

[Sox]

Use a rattle gun for the u-bolt nuts, as the threads are usually pretty knocked around and lock nuts are inherently tight. Use large amounts of spray lube such as WD-40.

The eye bushes can be knocked out, but it's tough job. Pressing out is much easier and I have also burnt them out.
Personally I would use new polyurethane eye bushes if you don't already have them. If you do have them, then they will come out pretty easy anyway.
I would also fit poly shackle bushes and spring pads.
Reduces spring wind up and slop in the rear end by a considerable amount, and as a consequence reduces bump steer.

[rag top]

I'll second the rattle gun. Chucked a set of reverse eye leafs in my '67 coupe tonight, and the rattle gun made a huge difference.
Also, if you have ratchet spanners, it makes it a lot easier to undo the shackle bushes.

Another suggestion is to use 2 sets of jack stands, one for the chassis, the other for the diff.

Your new springs should have the eye bushes already fitted.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by rag top

I'll second the rattle gun. Chucked a set of reverse eye leafs in my '67 coupe tonight, and the rattle gun made a huge difference.
Also, if you have ratchet spanners, it makes it a lot easier to undo the shackle bushes.

Another suggestion is to use 2 sets of jack stands, one for the chassis, the other for the diff.

Your new springs should have the eye bushes already fitted.

Have you got all this gear mate ?! :hihi:

I've ordered the King Springs Today, and am going to order some new U-Bolts as well. I cant find a listing in the Nolathane Catalog for the shackle bushes and spring pads but I'll have another look and hopefully get these too.

[rag top]

Originally Posted by b2tf

Have you got all this gear mate ?! :hihi:

I've ordered the King Springs Today, and am going to order some new U-Bolts as well. I cant find a listing in the Nolathane Catalog for the shackle bushes and spring pads but I'll have another look and hopefully get these too.

Yep - can bring it around if you like


Nolathane catalogue part no 47015 for the shackle bushes.

Spring pads could be part no. 47207 - it is refered as a saddle????

[b2tf]

Spring Eye Front - 47309
Spring Eye Rear Shackle - 47015
47207 - Leaf Spring Saddle

I'll order all these (if I run out of time only the first 2) and this should be right to do the job. They also do U-Bolts which if they're available and in stock I will get too. May as well replace the lot.

[MNM96]

For safety, do 1 side at a time!

[Sox]

Originally Posted by b2tf

Spring Eye Front - 47309
Spring Eye Rear Shackle - 47015
47207 - Leaf Spring Saddle

I'll order all these (if I run out of time only the first 2) and this should be right to do the job. They also do U-Bolts which if they're available and in stock I will get too. May as well replace the lot.

The u-bolts rarely need changing, it's mainly the pre XH utes which had much smaller fine thread and stuffed up quite easily.
I've never had a problem with the later ones.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Sox

The u-bolts rarely need changing, it's mainly the pre XH utes which had much smaller fine thread and stuffed up quite easily.
I've never had a problem with the later ones.

Ah very good. Thanks for the tip.