MTFCA Forum

I want to put new bushings on the rear shackles and hit the leafs with graphite paint. The way I understand it is I have to take the wheels off then the diff off then the springs out. Is there a way I can take the springs out without removing the wheels? And regardless of how I get it out is there anything else I should be inspecting or replacing while I'm there?

You don't need to remove the rear wheels, but you would need to raise the body much higher to relieve all tension on the spring. I would recommend removing the rear wheels. Be sure to have a spring spreader handy to do this job. It makes the task much easier. The bushings are in the spring and perches so having the wheels off will make access to the perches easier.

One of these helps too.

https://www.modeltford.com/item/3820-44T.aspx

Has the rear axle ever been taken apart and inspected and rebuilt? Because this would be a good time if you are taking the shackles off.

I have found the easiest way is to pull the wheels & undo the perches from the backing plates. Takes all the tension off.
Seems easier to guide the perches back into the backing plates for reassembly. Work the perches back in with a 2x4 under the spring ends & jack.
Jack with a cradle or a jack on each side. Never under the center pumpkin.

This method works like a charm for removing bushings (even getting them in). The socket just needs to fit the ID of the spring & the OD of the bushing. --
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Rear spring restore
https://modeltfordfix.com/repairing-the ... ar-spring/
https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=30689

Removing and installing rear axle spring shackles is covered in the Ford Service Manual.
Here is how I jack it up to relieve the spring tension.

A bushing driver works nice. You may need to ream the bushing to fit the shackle. I would suggest brass, not a steel bushing.