MTFCA Forum

I have the engine, rear axle, and rear spring out of my T and ready for installation. Any idea for the best order of assembly? Photo shows rear spring going in, but I'm wondering if I should install the axle first.

Think the Service Manual has that information.

I always put the spring in first, being sure to center the square head center bolt into the frame. Then you can use the weight of the car and a small block of wood under the ends to help spread the shackles into the backing plates.

I agree with John on the rear spring going on first. It doesn’t make a lot of difference if you put the engine or rear end in first. I’ve always found it easier to stick the u-joint into the motor than to stick the motor to the u-joint.

Andy

Engine, rear spring, connect rear axle to transmission, then shackle axle to spring (using car weight & 2x4 blocks to spread spring).

Thanks. Hope to get it together this week.

Just leave tightening the rear spring U bolts till last. That way you have some control over how the car sits on the road.

Allan from down under.

AndyClary wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 25, 2025 3:48 pm

I agree with John on the rear spring going on first. It doesn’t make a lot of difference if you put the engine or rear end in first. I’ve always found it easier to stick the u-joint into the motor than to stick the motor to the u-joint.

Andy

I have found the opposite to be true, of course I am typically wheeling the rear end in and its rotating as you try to line it up. With the engine going in you can turn the crank to get the right alignment. However, last time I put the ruxtel in I was working on uneven gravel/dirt and it slid in perfectly on the first try!!! My son didn't understand why I was dancing but he will in the future....

I put the engine in last. Aligning the U joint square is a piece of cake if one rear wheel is jacked off the ground. My Stevens tool holds the square and it can easily be used to rotate it into alignment when the wheel is jacked.

Allan from down under.

I would stick the rear end in first. Going to give you a more stable platform to work with even with one wheel off the ground.