This year front spring beginning restoration(3 pics).

[Fernando Mendes]

Last year I restored all rear spring.This year front spring restoration.

[HanksB3B]

but please...try to stay on topic and don't start restoring landing gear on some plane that some South American dictator flew on once o.k.?

Hank

[Fernando Mendes]

Who was him?:confused:Ok Hank,last year(july-october 2009) I shotted more or less 24 pics about my rear spring restoration.We will have to improvise the front spring bolt.I found and bought two original shackle U-bolts.I was remembering that you was very happy when spring arrived in march 20th sharing a lot of pics.Now we entered here in spring today,but much rain.

[Fernando Mendes]

Pic 253-1)Noticed great worn in the iron bright of the bolts.2)Spring bolts improperly and without lubricant fittings.3)Worn bushing.4)Different spring length.

Pic 254-Improperly shackle.

We will have to remake these two front spring like as we did in the rear last year.This work will be more long and delayed.:rolleyes:

[Fernando Mendes]

FRONT & REAR SPRINGS.

FIRST.

WEEKLY-Tighten spring U-bolts,eye bolts,shackles...

SECOND.

MONTHLY & SIX-MONTH-Spring and bolts should be in place,spring leaves should not be shifted out of their correct position,note if the deflection of both springs is normal and approximately the same,test the bolts for excessive wear by means of a pry bar,make certain that no leaves are broken or shifted,examine springs for demage and sagging conditions,that spring clips are tight and that spring is in good condition,check spring U-bolts and spring seat clamp studs for tightness.

SIX-MONTH-Tighten all spring U-bolts securely and uniformly.

[ggdad1951]

you sure are a go getter on these! I just got my springs yesterday from Eaton...my truck won't have my original ones, but they look JUST like them (minus being sprung and rusty as all heck!)

[Fernando Mendes]

Yes,I got these general instruction from TM9-801 for my GMC truck 2 1/2 ton 6x6 1944 WWII published in april 1944.I didn't find more suggestions about this subject in Dodge driver's manual.It is only I have in relation of Dodge truck.I like very much the instruction of GMC WWII truck,because it is completelly including instructions for first echelon for the soldier drivers. .I have too the TM10-1563 Maintenance Manual.

[Fernando Mendes]

Two new original shackles with seal and bushings I bought in Bauru-São Paulo by web.

[HanksB3B]

Hank

[ggdad1951]

what are those little gommety type things? I have no such critters!

[TodFitch]

what are those little gommety type things? I have no such critters!

Seals to help keep the grease in and the dirt out.

Not sure when they started using those. For Plymouth cars, the "silent-U" spring shackles were introduced in the early 1930s (not positive but I think 1933 was the first year, though it might have been earlier). The 1928-33 parts book does not list the seals so they were an improvement made later.

[ggdad1951]

might have to make some then!

Question is tho, how do you "properly" install the bushings? Are they to be tightened against the frame casting or do they just "float"?

[Fernando Mendes]

I think they can float.

[TodFitch]

might have to make some then!

If you are referring to the seals, they are shown on Rare Parts images are part of their replacement shackle kit. Maybe you could contact them and see if you can get the seals separately.

Question is tho, how do you "properly" install the bushings? Are they to be tightened against the frame casting or do they just "float"?

I'd have to check the factory service manual, but my recollection is that the bushings are screwed down tight but that the "U" section has to be aligned properly first so that it can move through its whole intended arc and so that the spring is in the correct location.

If you don't have the FSM for you vehicle, get one. Reprints are available for most every vehicle if you can't find an original.

[Fernando Mendes]

Various shackles pics.

[ggdad1951]

If you are referring to the seals, they are shown on Rare Parts images are part of their replacement shackle kit. Maybe you could contact them and see if you can get the seals separately.

I'd have to check the factory service manual, but my recollection is that the bushings are screwed down tight but that the "U" section has to be aligned properly first so that it can move through its whole intended arc and so that the spring is in the correct location.

If you don't have the FSM for you vehicle, get one. Reprints are available for most every vehicle if you can't find an original.

I've got the shop manual and the parts manual but have not found that in there, or am I blind from writing checks for parts?

[TodFitch]

I've got the shop manual and the parts manual but have not found that in there, or am I blind from writing checks for parts?

Pre-war Plymouth car, but I'd think that the post-war Dodge truck would be the same.

[ggdad1951]

thanks! Figured that's what it'd be like. Anyone have the gauge sizes for the front rear shackle for the PH trucks? If not, I'll wing it. Forget it, I was blind found it in the Shop Manual over lunch now!

Also the LHT part is the lower on the passenger side?

Edited September 28, 2010 by ggdad1951

[Fernando Mendes]

In the next fifteen days we should begin this restoration.

[Fernando Mendes]

I didn't forget.Finnaly in this year yet we finished the FRONT springs restoration.

[Fernando Mendes]

We put 9 leaves in each side.

I want to desire a happy chystmas and a happy new year for all Pilot House members.Thanks to all.Fernando Mendes.

[ggdad1951]

quite the project to be proud of!

[Fernando Mendes]

Who wants I send to PM some new pics about this long restoration(front springs),showing and including new shackles/bushings(RHT & LHT) and new brass bushings too we had to IMPROVISE into the supports in the side rails ,because its holes were totally ellipsoidal.If you want mine e-mail is "jipe42@santiagonet.com.br":cool:

[Fernando Mendes]

I dont believe they are made. Have contacted parts suppliers that sell dodge parts for these trucks and nobody has them.[ROBERTS,ANDY,RAREPARTS,ETC.]. I even bought a parts truck hoping they were good but no such luck.If they ever come up on EBAY scoop them up because they are impossible to find. I dropped mine off to a local machine shop and they are fabricating new ones for me.Good luck. :eek:A new member of pilothouse dodge forum.