This weeks project- Rear end/Suspension removal

[jball1105]

My plan this week is to remove the rear end and rear suspension on my 63 Sport Fury. Based on my research (lots of YouTube videos and searching here) my plan to accomplish is as follows:
1. Block front wheels
2. Disconnect main brake line to rear (done) and parking brake
3. Jack rear end up from center section- place jack stands under rear frame rails
Question- Should I break bolts on leaf springs loose before lifting car?
4. place jack under center section and lift a bit to relieve weight on springs
5. unbolt rear shocks from axle housing
6. unbolt rear leaf hangar from frame
7. lower jack to let rear of leaf springs and wheels to ground
8. remove front spring brackets (4 bolts each side)
9. Roll whole assembly out the back

Am I missing anything? Thanks for your help!

 

[Don Frelier]

I would suggest wire wheel and soak the shackle U-bolts in advance if you have not done so already.

 

[jball1105]

I would suggest wire wheel and soak the shackle U-bolts in advance if you have not done so already.

Thanks Don!

 

[440Coronet500]

Good luck with those rear shackle bolts! Typically, a pain in the *** without a hot wrench! 440'

 

[Demonic]

Soak all the bolts w Liquid Wrench/Kroil/ favorite type of stuff. For an hour at least.

 

[jball1105]

Good luck with those rear shackle bolts! Typically, a pain in the *** without a hot wrench! 440'

That is not what I wanted to hear.....These bolts have only been in place for I'd guess 57 years....should come out easy

 

[1 Wild R/T]

That is not what I wanted to hear.....These bolts have only been in place for I'd guess 57 years....should come out easy

The suggestion above about letting the penetrant to work for at least an hour? More is better... More time & re-apply the penetrant a few times....

Do you have an Impact? It will save you many hours of struggle...

If the car has spent it's life back east then yeah bolts are gonna break, if it's been in Utah/Az/Nv you'll probably be fine...

 

[jball1105]

The suggestion above about letting the penetrant to work for at least an hour? More is better... More time & re-apply the penetrant a few times....

Do you have an Impact? It will save you many hours of struggle...

I went and soaked all the bolts today. I will do it a few more times before I try. I will also borrow my neighbors impact. Thanks!

 

[Don Frelier]

Even with the impact don't just run them right out. Out a bit then back in. Reapply penetrating oil. Good luck.

 

[rrTor-Red]

All good advice prior to my comment. I just did this to my car, twice now because of 2 leaks. Anyway, you have a good plan of attack in your initial post. The only thing I might add is to get some small plastic plugs to plug the brake lines and the vent for the rear (if removing). Also, might not be a bad idea to flush out brake fluid while you're at it. As far as your "question" is concerned, then yes it wont hurt.

One more bit of advice-Don't forget the beer cause you might need it

 

[Don Frelier]

OK I read the list again.
I would remove the driveshaft and wheels.
The wheels get in the way for me, you can easily stick them back on to make it easier to move later.
Just wondering, why are you removing it?

 

[jball1105]

OK I read the list again.
I would remove the driveshaft and wheels.
The wheels get in the way for me, you can easily stick them back on to make it easier to move later.
Just wondering, why are you removing it?

Driveshaft is already out. I was keeping the wheels on to roll the whole thing out once the leaf springs are disconnected, but if it makes it easier I can just pull it out on the jack and then put the wheels back on. The plan right now is new lowered leaf springs and new Dr. Diff axles with rear disc brakes. Also would like to change the rear gear ratio. It's 2.73 open gears right now. With it all out I can easily clean and repaint as well. Thanks for your reply! I am open for suggestions on the gears etc. if you have any ideas- car will be for cruising, no racing.

 

[jball1105]

Well it took most of the day, but I got it out. No injuries either, so I'm pretty stoked. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Johnpat]

No more than 3.70 for gears

 

[Sparky Anderson]

It would be good to use anti seize compound on all fasteners before reassembly, because down the road if u ever have a problem or want to make changes, it will go smooth as pie! Stay safe.

 

[Durandal25]

Soak all the bolts w Liquid Wrench/Kroil/ favorite type of stuff. For an hour at least.

Seafoam Deep Creep that beyo'tch!