Author Topic: Step by step guide to rear leaf spring replacement (finishing up question) (Read 980 times)

Tims65 · « **on:** August, 17, 2011, 06:41:49 PM »

OK, so I am ditching the traction masters and replacing my 17 year old leaf springs with new Maier Racing 160 racing leafs.

Can someone outline for me the step by step process to replace my rear leaf springs?

I will be doing this in my driveway on jack stands or ramps. I have had my front suspension on and off, but have never dropped the rear leaf springs.

Thanks,
Tim

abrahamfh · « **Reply #1 on:** August, 17, 2011, 08:01:28 PM »

I'll post in the tech section later tonight

blue65coupe · « **Reply #2 on:** August, 18, 2011, 03:11:54 AM »

I'll check Abe's post later and add if needed. Pretty simple process just take extra time when bolting the rear back. Measure, tighten, measure, tighten, measure, tighten.

silverblueBP · « **Reply #3 on:** August, 18, 2011, 04:03:34 AM »

Pre-spray all bolts with some type of rust buster.

blue65coupe · « **Reply #4 on:** August, 18, 2011, 04:05:16 AM »

pm sent

cmayna · « **Reply #5 on:** August, 18, 2011, 05:27:12 AM »

So where is this tutorial?

RustyRed · « **Reply #6 on:** August, 18, 2011, 05:27:40 AM »

I am watching for the topic as well.

I need to change out the leaf springs on the Trans Am at some point and wouldn't mind a refresher....it's been a while.

silverblueBP · « **Reply #7 on:** August, 18, 2011, 05:35:17 AM »

What's needed for a tutorial. Replace one side at a time...done.

blue65coupe · « **Reply #8 on:** August, 18, 2011, 05:46:14 AM »

Quote from: cmayna on August, 18, 2011, 05:27:12 AM

So where is this tutorial?

In a pm to the op.

AzPete · « **Reply #9 on:** August, 18, 2011, 05:49:02 AM »

Quote from: silverblueBP on August, 18, 2011, 05:35:17 AM

What's needed for a tutorial. Replace one side at a time...done.

Gotta agree.....2 bolts, two U-bolts, remove, install, tighten with weight on the car....move to other side.

cmayna · « **Reply #10 on:** August, 18, 2011, 05:56:04 AM »

Sorry, but with the amount of pressure the leafs have when loaded, I'd think a detailed tutorial would be good for those who have not done it before.

AzPete · « **Reply #11 on:** August, 18, 2011, 05:57:52 AM »

Quote from: cmayna on August, 18, 2011, 05:56:04 AM

Sorry, but with the amount of pressure the leafs have when loaded, I'd think a detailed tutorial would be good for those who have not done it before.

Woops, for got to say jack it up..........thing is you do not remove them when under pressure.

blue65coupe · « **Reply #12 on:** August, 18, 2011, 05:59:01 AM »

Quote from: cmayna on August, 18, 2011, 05:56:04 AM

Sorry, but with the amount of pressure the leafs have when loaded, I'd think a detailed tutorial would be good for those who have not done it before.

Get to typin'

Grabber70Mach · « **Reply #13 on:** August, 18, 2011, 06:21:29 AM »

Quote from: cmayna on August, 18, 2011, 05:56:04 AM

Sorry, but with the amount of pressure the leafs have when loaded, I'd think a detailed tutorial would be good for those who have not done it before.

+1 Someone could seriously hurt themselves if they don't support the car correctly. Supports need to be under the rear frame rails to support the weight of the car. Also under the axle with the springs unloaded to support it. Do one side at a time, remove u-bolts, rear shackle bolts, then your front eye-bolt (you did remember to soak it liberally with PB blaster ;) ), if you still can't get this bolt out break out the sawzall with the tungsten carbide blades (you did get them, right, OK guess its time for that trip to HD or Lowe's) Now slide the spring out and install the new one in reverse order, minus cutting the bolt of course. Did you get new front eye bolts? You probably should even if your lucky and get the old ones out without cutting them. Now sit back and enjoy your favorite beverage. After sufficient time, wash, rinse, repeat on the other side.

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RustyRed · « **Reply #14 on:** August, 18, 2011, 06:25:02 AM »

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-replace-rear-leaf-springs

B67FSTB · « **Reply #15 on:** August, 18, 2011, 06:40:27 AM »

Quote from: cmayna on August, 18, 2011, 05:56:04 AM

Sorry, but with the amount of pressure the leafs have when loaded, I'd think a detailed tutorial would be good for those who have not done it before.

wise man speaking !!

Horseplay · « **Reply #16 on:** August, 18, 2011, 07:00:01 AM »

I think this is one of those cases where it is being over thought. Jack stands under the rails, floor jack under pumpkin and get at it. The one thing no one has mentioned it just how difficult it can be to get the bolts out. Mark alluded to it by suggesting soaking things. Have BFH handy as it will probably be needed.

Grabber70Mach · « **Reply #17 on:** August, 18, 2011, 07:06:08 AM »

Quote from: blue65coupe on August, 18, 2011, 05:59:01 AM

Get to typin'

Good enuf ;) Don't you need some more owl pics to look at?

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blue65coupe · « **Reply #18 on:** August, 18, 2011, 07:11:23 AM »

Quote from: Grabber70Mach on August, 18, 2011, 07:06:08 AM

Good enuf ;) Don't you need some more owl pics to look at?

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You forgot to detail the amount of measuring and checking you need to do to ensure a properly centered rear. Hoot, hoot

Oh yeah

sent from a dell using typenottalk

70 StangMan · « **Reply #19 on:** August, 18, 2011, 07:15:55 AM »

Don't forget one of the most important 1st steps: If you've got any young 'uns, send them to Grammy's house so they won't hear you

as you try to bust loose the probably rusted eye bolts before you wind up cutting them out.

blue65coupe · « **Reply #20 on:** August, 18, 2011, 07:21:54 AM »

Everybody making such a big deal about the bolts. Mine came out with very little problem. I wonder if it being a coupe had anything to do with it?

RustyRed · « **Reply #21 on:** August, 18, 2011, 07:27:07 AM »

Quote from: blue65coupe on August, 18, 2011, 07:21:54 AM

Everybody making such a big deal about the bolts. Mine came out with very little problem. I wonder if it being a coupe had anything to do with it?

The owl scared them right out.

blue65coupe · « **Reply #22 on:** August, 18, 2011, 07:28:39 AM »

Quote from: RustyRed on August, 18, 2011, 07:27:07 AM

The owl scared them right out.

That was the nuts, not the bolts.

70 StangMan · « **Reply #23 on:** August, 18, 2011, 07:32:14 AM »

Quote from: RustyRed on August, 18, 2011, 07:27:07 AM

The owl scared them right out.

Maybe he rubbed some owl

on them,I hear it's pretty slick.

The right side of mine was a bitch, but the left side came loose with minimal effort.

RustyRed · « **Reply #24 on:** August, 18, 2011, 08:04:18 AM »

Mine were so bad we ended up cutting up both sides to get them out along with much

language.

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Author Topic: Step by step guide to rear leaf spring replacement (finishing up question) (Read 980 times)

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