The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Replacing Front spring?

Whats the easiest way to replace the front right spring on my 52' 1/2 ton chevy? With limited tools. The spring broke at the fixed end. Do i need to undo the shock or can that be left alone? Whats the procedure to replace the bushing at that fixed bolt? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

I think you would have tube-type shocks?
If so, you should be able to unbolt the spring pack and leave the shock connected to the mounting plate that goes under the spring-pack.

Here is a Tech Tip on removing the spring/suspension-chassis bushing:
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/bushingpuller.htm

Main thing is you need to jack the body of the truck to relieve the pressure from the support point of the spring. This will make it easy to remove the shackle and the pivot bolt. If your spring is broken at the support/pivot - not so much of a problem but you still need to jack the body.

Here is a post about my experience replacing spings on my '51 1/T. I have a picture of how I jacked the body in this post.

Replacing springs

Note: I really think you should consider replacing ALL your springs given the fact one has broken. Certainly you should replace the one on the other side. Otherwise your steering will be very wonky.

You can make a puller/installer from pipe parts and threaded rod for the bushings in the frame attachment points.

Kurt

Don't know if you have a gas shock or not Mike, but I'd drop the shock before taking the
U-bolts loose. I set the frame on stands right behind the rear spring mount at the cross
member. With a jack under the axle you can take any tension off the spring and then just
pull the front shackle and at the rear its just a thru bolt, any bushings on the front will be
in the spring eye and a new spring should already have them pressed in to the eye.
The original rear bolt is probably worn so it should be replaced. The vendors sell repops
for the bolt, shackles and springs.
As Kurt mentioned, it would be a good investment at this time to replace both springs as
a pair other wise you may end up with cockeye handling problems.
DG

Thanks so much for all the tips and knowledge. I bought a used spring, but may do as suggested and replace both (or all) with new after reading what difference new springs did for you guys. Pictures were a great, Kurt. Hope to meet up with you, Denny, since you are so close to me. Again, thanks everybody!!

Also, I will do what you did, Tim. Thanks for the info to make the bushing puller.

Mike

I'm just south of you in Kaneville area ...

Just holler if you need something' ..... just finishing up my 51 Panel.

Mike

Great to have another cohort nearby.
I'd like to see that panel!