How to compress leaf springs?

[kilby]

I'm installing rear lift springs in my '88 Waggy.

Okay, so... trying to get them to line up with the shackle bolt holes, and I got the leaf pack attached at the frame in the front. BUT! the whole pack is short a couple inches due to the increased arc.

I need to compress the leaf pack to stretch the rear eye to reach the shackle hanger. Just wondering if there's an easy way to do it, or if anybody has any tips. I'm thinking I need to jack the leaf pack up somehow to flatten 'em out a little & reach the hanger.

 

[Erik]

i usually sit the vehicle down at that point and put a brick or 2x4 between the spring and frame near the shackle so it'll compress a little then line it up

the bolt usually goes in rather easily with a big hammer

 

[paradisePWoffrd]

i normally jack up under the axle if its bolted in, or under the front side of the pack to lift it up high enough to bolt the shackle up...

 

[Rich]

This tells me your shackles are too short.

 

[kilby]

Nah... in the rear they're upside down on a Waggy. Like a Chebby Lo Rider mang.

 

[kilby]

Just FYI... I ended up bolting in the front mount then wedging a 2x4 between the spring eye/shackle mount, placed the floor jack cup on the bottom of the leaf pack & jacked the spring up.

This made the spring stretch just enough to tap the shackle eye even with the frame holes. Worked great...

Not as much luck getting the center pins seated though. Turns out that's a major pain in the arse.