Leaf spring perch not centered

[truckin 79]

Okay so finally got around to changing broken leaf spring on rear passenger side. Everything went together easier than I thought until I tried to have center bolt fit into lift block. The rear end needs to come foward and to the outside. I was using two floor jacks to change out broken leaf. How can I force rear end back in the it’s perch. I am thinking I do not have the right tools to force it back where I need it to go. Anybody done this before with success

[Dleslie212]

Originally Posted by truckin 79

Okay so finally got around to changing broken leaf spring on rear passenger side. Everything went together easier than I thought until I tried to have center bolt fit into lift block. The rear end needs to come foward and to the outside. I was using two floor jacks to change out broken leaf. How can I force rear end back in the it’s perch. I am thinking I do not have the right tools to force it back where I need it to go. Anybody done this before with success

I actually just did this a few weekends ago... I had removed the leaf spring on the passenger side completely to replace bushings, paint it, and replace the u bolts. When I went to jack the axle back up into place, it didn’t line up quite right. It was pretty easy to muscle it back into place to line up correctly, though. It didn’t take any special tools or anything

[wixthedog]

I would think a ratchet strap would be enough to pull it into position if you cant persuade it by hand.

[blazer2007]

did you take the shocks off ?

[Dleslie212]

Originally Posted by blazer2007

did you take the shocks off ?

Not completely. I removed the lower end so I could the shock out of the way, and lower down the axle

[truckin 79]

A ratchet strap is a good idea, why didnt I think of that. Thanks wixthedog for that advice. I have my 84 camping van in my driveway as well, she is a hefty gal. The van should make a good anchor to force the rearend over. My driveway is at a slight decline, so I only jacked up the drivers(not passenger like I said earlier) side with my larger floor jack under the rear leaf spring mount. I used the smaller jack to control rear end, I did remove shock for leaf repair. I was lucky the only leaf affected was the 2nd to the bottom. So I had three tires touching the ground to make sure the truck would not roll down the driveway. I will try and jack up the rear end and get both rear wheels off the ground. Then put a ratchet strap on van to force it over and forward. I was working in the shade most of the day and then the sun came out about noon, heat stroke anyone. One more thing off the list of things to do to this truck.
Also do you guys add leaf spring clamps to back side of leaf springs. I dont have any, am I supposed to? The front of leaf spring already has factory clamps. I think the reason the one spring cracked was because my parents overloaded truck one day hauling home some large landscaping rocks. The other leafs all seem fine.

[Scott91370]

Muscle it back in to place. Move the axle back and forth and pry the spring pack left/right until it lines up. You may need someone to lower the jack while you hold everything in place.

[AussieinNC]

Remove the rear shackle and pull the spring back into place....

When lined up and loosely clamped down...replace the rear shackle....

Hope this helps...

[truckin 79]

The Ratchet strap worked great along with a BFH. The pull of the ratchet strap kept tension while the BFH gently persuaded it into place.

[wixthedog]

Originally Posted by truckin 79

The Ratchet strap worked great along with a BFH. The pull of the ratchet strap kept tension while the BFH gently persuaded it into place.

Never discount the effectiveness of a BFH!