Front springs WC-13 cleaning
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- Corporal
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Front springs WC-13 cleaning
My winter project is to get the replacement springs and front axle ready to go. I have the springs shackles done. Should I remove the clips to clean the individual leafs? If yes, I have the center pin removed. How do I remove the other 4? The springs have 8 leafs and 4 clips. 2 clips of one size and 2 clips of another. They have a like rivet head on them but not a threw all the way bolt. Any insight always appreciated.
- Gordon_M
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Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
I only ever take them apart if a leaf is broken, everything else, including bending to re-tension, I get done on the assembled spring.
Gordon, in Scotland
( Now officially given up on any form of politics )
( Now officially given up on any form of politics )
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Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
Got it. So just a good wire wheel and some paint?
- Gordon_M
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Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
Pretty much. Check carefully for cracks, put them down next to each other to check they are the same shape / arch, check the eye ends for wear and egging out, and you are good to go.
Gordon, in Scotland
( Now officially given up on any form of politics )
( Now officially given up on any form of politics )
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'45 IHC m5h6 - Location: Deer Park, Washington
Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
If you do end up having to take them apart for a broken leaf, I just heat the clamps and bend or hammer them straight until the springs will come apart. Then heat and hammer back when putting back together.
I agree no need to really do that unless you have to. But if you do, it works. I've done it.
I agree no need to really do that unless you have to. But if you do, it works. I've done it.
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- Technical Sergeant
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Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
always replace the center pin bolt. the originals get weak over the years. I have sheared the head off a few of them on the trails. you can get replacements or just use a grade 5 or 8 bolt
- zepher11
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Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
I always replace the center pins as well when restoring the leaf spring pack. If one chooses to use a bolt, they may wish to go with Grade 5 vs. Grade 8. I used to race cars and used Grade 8 bolts on my suspension links. They would shear right off and save a lot of the suspension links in an impact.
Grade 5 would bend and not shear causing destruction to a lot of the suspension parts. Generally around here Grade 5 bolts are silver colored and Grade 8 are gold colored. The Grade 5 bolts are marked with 3 radial lines on the bolt heads. Grade 8 have 6 radial lines on the bolt head. Of course, I'm not telling anyone anything they don't already know.
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
NOS pins are readily available, however. They don't appear to be hardened like Grade 8 bolts and are less prone to shearing. I picked up a number of them from Midwest Military.
Zeph
"Why wasn't I born a 4F instead of good looking?" ...(The Story of GI Joe)
"Why wasn't I born a 4F instead of good looking?" ...(The Story of GI Joe)
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- Corporal
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Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
Well, so far so good. No cracks on either one. And only 3 layers of paint. Black, silver? Lastly green
Bolts will be replaced. A bit of egging on two brass sleeves. Very minor, should I replace? And one sleeve slid halfway out without any effort. Definitely replace?
Thanks again for all the insight.
Rick
Thanks again for all the insight.
Rick
- Gordon_M
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Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
Replace the bushes unless they look perfect, replace the pins if there are any detectable wear ridges.
Gordon, in Scotland
( Now officially given up on any form of politics )
( Now officially given up on any form of politics )
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'45 IHC m5h6 - Location: Deer Park, Washington
Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
I agree. replace bushings and pins both. They are not terribly expensive.
- Gordon_M
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Re: Front springs WC-13 cleaning
One caveat here. The original pins were very good quality, the new ones can be a bit - variable. I prefer to reuse originals where possible but not if they are showing wear.
Gordon, in Scotland
( Now officially given up on any form of politics )
( Now officially given up on any form of politics )