'72 leaf spring removal

[Kurt G.]

I'm getting ready to overhaul my trailing arms and have heard all the horror stories about getting them off. I'm looking for information on the best and safest way to hold the leaf springs "in place" while I remove the bolts and then relieve the tension once the bolts are removed. Thanks in advance for the information. I will have some help from some guys that have done this before, but just looking for more comments and opinions.

[Edward J.]

Re: '72 leaf spring removal

I'm getting ready to overhaul my trailing arms and have heard all the horror stories about getting them off. I'm looking for information on the best and safest way to hold the leaf springs "in place" while I remove the bolts and then relieve the tension once the bolts are removed. Thanks in advance for the information. I will have some help from some guys that have done this before, but just looking for more comments and opinions.

Kurt, using just a floor jack will work on the diassy. But the install you may need a piece of 2x4 almost the length of the spring, Measure a piece a couple of inchs short of the holes on the end of spring. . and jack from the middle, or use a c-clamp style vise grip the clamp the spring to jack pad. to keep from slipping when jacking on spring.

[Alan S.]

Re: '72 leaf spring removal

Hi Kurt,
Here's a picture from my 71 that shows a variation on the method Edward described.
I hope this is of some help to you you!
Regards,
Alan

[William L.]

Re: '72 leaf spring removal

Kurt
I have written an article for The Restorer on this subject and I hope that it will be published soon. But here is an abridged version that is a simple and safe way to remove the tension on your spring bolt.
It takes 2 people and a 6' or longer pry bar. One person to lift on the pry bar and one person to remove the nut from the bolt.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: '72 leaf spring removal

Alan's setup using the c-clamp is how I always do it. The clamp prevents the jack from slipping inboard when raised. I would question how, in the set up pictured, you could lower the jack after releasing the pressure on the nut and removing it. I raise the jack up almost all the way before it raises the spring so you have plenty of room to lower it until the spring is fully at rest.
Jeff

[Terry M.]

Re: '72 leaf spring removal

I'm getting ready to overhaul my trailing arms and have heard all the horror stories about getting them off. I'm looking for information on the best and safest way to hold the leaf springs "in place" while I remove the bolts and then relieve the tension once the bolts are removed. Thanks in advance for the information. I will have some help from some guys that have done this before, but just looking for more comments and opinions.

Kurt
I have written an article for the Driveline on this subject and I hope that it will be published soon. But here is an abridged version that is a simple and safe way to remove the tension on your spring bolt.
It takes 2 people and a 6' or longer pry bar.

Bill's pictures look like a nice method, and I am sure the story will look great in [i]The Restorer[i] -- better than it would look in The Driveline All the parts hunters would get mad if it were in The Driveline.
Sorry Bill -- the devil made me do it.

There are step by step instructions, complete with pictures, in your copy of The Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual. Why not read and see what the engineers who designed your Corvette had to say about this operation?

[William L.]

Re: '72 leaf spring removal

Thanks Terry, I fixed it.Don't know where my head was

[Terry M.]

Re: '72 leaf spring removal

Thanks Terry, I fixed it.Don't know where my head was

Bill, I got that all the time when I was Restorer Editor. Eric and I joked about it a lot because he got compliments for his work on The Restorer. I am sure Vinnie gets the same thing now. It kind of comes with the territory, and it is why I put all those smiles around it. I wanted you to be sure to know I was ribbing you a little bit, and that is not always easy to do on-line.

Those are some very nice pictures and it is a very interesting method. Thanks for thinking outside of the box.

[William L.]

Re: '72 leaf spring removal

Bill, I got that all the time when I was Restorer Editor. Eric and I joked about it a lot because he got compliments for his work on The Restorer. I am sure Vinnie gets the same thing now. It kind of comes with the territory, and it is why I put all those smiles around it. I wanted you to be sure to know I was ribbing you a little bit, and that is not always easy to do on-line.

Those are some very nice pictures and it is a very interesting method. Thanks for thinking outside of the box.

No problem Terry I'm glad you said something. When I work for a living I told the guys that work for me " The only person that never makes a mistake is the guy who's not doing anything. Just try and not make the same mistake twice."

[Alan S.]

Re: '72 leaf spring removal

Hi Jeff,
Good eye!
If you'll notice there's no body on the chassis; I took the picture while I was experimenting to find out how much weight (packs of roofing shingles) I had to put on the frame so I could begin to move the spring.
Good to talk to you! I hope you're well.
Regards,
Alan