Thinking about a rear leaf spring overhaul, any advice.

Hello,

Thinking about removeing the rear leaf springs from my '70 B.

How tough of a job is this for a novice garage mechanic. Have been warned about the front bushing bolt "welding" itself due to age and being almost impossible to remove without the aid of some serious heat.

Have read the article in the "Library" section which uses a Suzuki Samurai spring as an added helper spring. Anyone have any luck with this? Is it worth the effort?

Any thoughts on this entire process?

Joe

Do a search Joe. This procedure has been all over the forum, in several threads, the last couple weeks. Great information too.

Good luck

Paul

Joe, I know next to nothing about cars. Well, less than that actually. I bought my B to try and figure out how cars work.

Replacing the rear springs was the first job I tackled. It's just nuts and bolts (and some grunting).

Make sure the car is blocked correct and go for it. My two cents would be to replace all the bushings while you are it.

Joe,
Job itself is not that tough. From recent postings though, it appears chrome bumper springs are no longer available.

I just baught a set of original springs from a Brit car dismantler because the PO had installed a set of aftermarket springs that makes the rear of my 64 B ride about FOUR friggin inches too high.

Soaked everything in PB blaster penetrating oil last night.

If I don't end up in the emergency room to get stitches, I should have a report on the replacement exercise within the next couple hours.

Wish me luck all,,,, I am going in!


jay

Joe, i did the Suzuki Samurai leaf conversion an it's still working great.

David,

This is the option I would like to pursue. Any advice for locating the Samuria springs...what year of Samuria did you use.

Thanks,
Joe

Why not just take your car by an "auto spring" service and let them re-curve the leaf springs that you have? It's done with heat and a jig.

When I bought my 74B back in 2002 it drooped badly in the rear. I dropped the car off at "Evansville Auto Spring" and in about 4 hours they had it sitting perfectly. Four years later it's still perfect. And I think it only cost about $70. Evansville is a city of about 140,000 people so I assume the service must be common in cities of any size. Ask your tire dealer if they know of anyone that offers the service in your area.


Dan

Dan,

All of the advice and input I have recieved puts you in the "lucky few" category. I am located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and I am very fortunate to have a great MG shop not too far from the house. Their advise is that re-shaped springs do not last very long and will eventually revert back to their old, tired form.

Anyone else have any luck with reshaping springs?

Joe