AD front leaf spring install issue

[MidLifer]

So I've reached the point in my build where wrenches are getting turned to the right, and the first thing I started to install on the frame were the new leaf springs. On the front, one of the leaves wraps over the rear eye. When I went to install the spring, this leaf kept the eye from getting far enough in to slip the bolt through.

How to deal with this? Should I pound/cut the overlapping piece until it slides in, or is there a functional purpose for this to be loaded against the mount, in which case I guess I need to use a ball joint press to push it in?

Thanks in advance - Jim

[nvrdone]

If the wrap goes all the way around the eye, it will never fit no matter how big a hammer you use.
The wrap on my springs only go around to the 900 position.
Maybe your spring supplier goofed up?
Of course this is on a 1949 3100. Yours may be different

[MidLifer]

It goes to approximately 9:00 on mine as well but when I go to line up the eye with the mount, it presses against the back of the mount and prevents it from lining up correctly.

If there is not supposed to be tension, then I can cut them so that they will fit.

Here is a pic from someone else's site showing the wraparound leaves on the back end of the springs - these ones look to end lower than mine:

http://www.speedprint.com/deves50/im...deves16blg.jpg

[nvrdone]

That looks the same as mine. I'd check with the supplier to make sure it's right.
If not, cut the wrap so it fits. Just don't cut into the spring above it

[Half Baked]

The wrap adds strength to the leaf above it. They can be cut to fit but there are limitations. You can not cut it back further than the close end of the pin (some say the center of the pin, but I like to err on the side of caution).

That being said, I would check with your supplier first just to verify they are the correct springs...

[MidLifer]

For anyone who still cares, here's a pic of the old and new springs - slight differences in the wrapped pieces, looks like they are less "tight" to the spring eye than the old springs.

https://plus.google.com/photos/11025...80772015853381

[nvrdone]

It does look like the wrap comes up too far. Have you checked with the supplier to find out what they recommend?
How does the other end look? Is the wrap shorter?

[MidLifer]

The other end does not have a 2nd leaf wrapped over it. Plus, even if it did, it goes into the shackle and would not have a clearance issue like this one.

I will try to reach the supplier, but they had a note on their site today when I went to retrieve the phone number that they have had a death in the family and would be hard to reach for the next week or so. I will send them an e-mail and ask for their advice.

[nvrdone]

Just thinking maybe the spring was installed with the wrong end in the mount. Then the wrap end would fit in the shackle.
Not that I've ever installed a part backwards .....

[MidLifer]

I've done all that too, many times, and probably will many more too.

Spoke to the spring supplier - they recommended loosening the centerbolt a little and tapping that leaf forward a bit with a hammer. They put oval holes in them for alignment purposes. When I get back to my shop tomorrow night I'll give that a try.

Just nice to be turning the wrenches to the right for a change!

[nvrdone]

Feels even better to stop turning wrenches and just drive. But the wrenching really never ends. That's a big part of the fun.

[MidLifer]

In the end I had to cut 1/4" off the end of the wraps. 5 minutes with the cut off wheel, and then they went right in to the mounts.