After installing new springs on front figured I'd do the rear also as I could see the bushings were worn out. Driver side went in ok. Passenger side got front bolt in but can't get center pin to line up in hole in axlemount. Axle would need to come forward about 1/4 inch. Also the spring lines up about 3 inches towards the center of truck from the rear shackle mount. After looking at things it appears that the front mount is bent in. Also the running board mount is bent and not fastened to the running board. I'm looking to you all for my options on how to fix this issue. Can things be heated and maybe bent to the correct position? Thanks, Grady.
Grady, It would help a bunch if you could post a picture or two of your possibly bent mounts. Have you done a comparison measurement form the unbent side to see how much it's out of alignment/place?
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
From what I can measure being all alone, the spring would need to be moved 3 and 3/4 inches to the right to align with the shackle mount.on the axle it would have to go about 1 and 1/4 inches. Hard to get good pics but hope these help.
Grady, from your pictures it certainly appears that passenger side front mount seems to be twisted, but that could be a frame issue and not the cast bracket itself. Considering this also appears to affect the running board mount also attached to the frame in the same area, you may need to do some measuring/checking of the frame for bends or twists. Below are snaps from a 1948-51 Shop Manual and 1947-54 FAM with frame measuring points and dimensions that you could use to check your frame. To my knowledge, there isn't really any way to straighten a bent "cast/forged" spring mount but others may have more info to answer that question. Best of luck!
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Thanks Gdads51. I will have to crawl under and do some more measuring. Possibly in morning. Hoping not to have to remove the bed but might have if I need to try and straighten the frame.
Just an update. Got springs in after moving the axle back just enough to get the spring to seat. Used a strap to pull it forward. When rain quits I will take it for ride and retorque u bolts.
