Leaf Spring Rebuild

[ericpost]

So while I'm waiting for my DIY stuff I figured I'd remove my springs to get ready to replace the rear shackle mount. Since I'm going to re-use my rear springs on the front I figured I'd rebuild them.

Where can I get a new center pin? Also there does not appear to be a leaf retainer (or clip) for the front end of each spring? I assume there should be, if so where do you pick these up?

Here is what I'm starting with.

[msgross]

find a local spring shop... I think most springs only have one retainer... keeps them lined up

my add-a-leafs came with new pins, just make sure to get the right sized shaft and head....

and use a large C-clamp to hold that puppy together and slowly loosen


are you using new bushings? good louck with the old one's if so... they are a bear to get out without a press...

[Dieselwrencher]

A little trick to help remove and install spring bushings: Use a chisel and wedge it into the gap where the leaf spring rolls around to the flat surface of the leaf spring. Carefully drive one on each side of the spring to help make the diameter of the eyelet greater to aid in bushing removal.

And yes, there usually is only one spring pack retainer. Some of the 56" springs have 2 but if there isn't a hole in the oposite end of the leaf with the retainer, then it only has one. Ususally these are riveted, hucked, to the spring. I think the center pin will be a 3/8". But it could be a 5/16" as well. These are usually only $1 or $2 at a spring shop. Make sure you don't get cheap grade 5 ones from a parts store. These will be shiny silver in color. The ones you will want will be a dark black color. These are stronger and don't twist off/break as easy.

[Fubar]

I totaly agree with dieselwrencher on the center pins, don't buy the cheap ones! I had a toyota with 36" tires and I broke one on the street one time and had rear steer for a few miles.