Another rear spring question

[Cutlass]

I have just completed replacing the rear crossmember (and rear spring mounts) on my '66 BJ8. The distance between the front and rear spring mounts is 35 1/2 inches, center to center, which is what the book says. Problem is that when I attempted to install the leaf springs, the distance between the mounts was great enough to require pulling the shackles toward the mounts with a clamp, an extra inch or so. The springs are new, having come with the car from a previous ugly repair job. Which of the following is true:

1. The mounts are too far apart.
2. The springs are too short.
3. This is the way it's supposed to work.

Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[Dave Russell]

The answer is, most likely, #3. Typical springs might be 34" long unloaded, & 36" loaded.

The spring will gain a couple of inches in length as the arch is flattened by the car weight. You just have to anchor the front & stretch out/flatten the spring until the rear shackles will reach & bolt them on. The axle should be bolted to the spring first. I have used a makeshift spring spreader tool consisting of a jack & extension to spread the spring enough to fit the shackles. There are actually spring spreader tools available.

Used springs are usually a little easier because some of the arch has been removed.

Be careful & don't have any accidents. There is quite a bit of energy stored in the stretched spring.
D

 

[Keoke]

Hi Cutlas, Yes Jacking the spring is the standard method for installing rear springs in the late BJ8 cars.---Keoke

 

[Cutlass]

Thanks. I was afraid that somehow I'd done something terribly wrong. Wouldn't be the first or last time.