Hi All, I'm curious as to the sequence I should use to re-install the rear end & rear suspension (leaf springs & shocks) in my 63 Valiant. I removed everything a while back (too long ago, don't ask) and have now acquired all materials for the re-install and I'm just not sure what is the optimal sequence to do this. Should I install the new springs onto the hangers then thread the rear end through and bolt it to the springs or bolt the springs onto the rear end then jack the whole assembly into place and bolt onto the spring hangers? Thanks!

I don't know if there is an official procedure but this is what I did: I mounted the springs to the front hangars and let the rear end of the springs rest on the floor. I rolled the rear axle into position over the springs and attached the u-bolts to position the axle and retain it on the perches. I finally jacked up the rear axle and attached the springs to the rear shackles and attached the brakes lines and e-brake cable. One last check of torque on all the fasteners and it was a done job.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

David's sequence will sure work.

if you ever watch them put a rear suspension in on an episode of graveyard carz then you 'll get the idea.

Greg

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

I usually put the springs on first, front and rear mounts, and make sure everything has good alignment. Then I thread the axle in, as you say. I have done it the other way too, as David said.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Since I am usually by myself, and don't have a lift. I usually mount the rear to the springs, loosely. Then roll the whole assy under the car. Mount the front of the springs, again loosely. Then jack the rear end up and attach the shackles. Now tighten everything up, and connect the rest of the parts.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

There's more than one way to skin a cat.... or mount a rear axle!

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

Thanks as always. The way I envisioned the process is similar to how Charlie described it. I just didn't want to cinch something down and unbolt, rework, etc. I've got a limited time window to have a friend around as a second pair of hands, so want to ensure we have a solid plan of attack.

When I bolt the springs to the axle, I have the U-bolts just tight enough to keep the spring center bolt in the hole in the perch, but lose enough, so the spring can move slightly to match up with the front hangers.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

seeing as I just did this recently. I mounted the springs to the Front mounts. Rolled the axle between the springs from the back of the car.(on a 4-wheeler) Raised each side leaf spring up and attached U-bolts (Hand Tight). Put a small floor jack under the pumpkin and raised up the whole axle, then attached the rear shackles.Checked everything was straight and tightened it all up.

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1964 Dart GT

OK, the day is soon approaching. One detail I neglected to include originally was that I've got the front and rear spring hangers removed from the car as well. So, should I bolt them back to the chassis first then line the spring bushings up and attach OR loosely attach the hangers to the spring bushings in the springs then line up the hangers and bolt them to the chassis? I'll be working solo, so trying to sort out the easiest process without assistance. Also, any Loctite and/or Anti-seize on any of the attachments? Thanks again and Happy Holidays all.

It's in! I went ahead and installed the front hangers to the chassis first, got the bushings installed in the springs and loosely attached the rear hangers to the shackles. Then slid the rear axle assembly into place. I knew those furniture sliders would come in handy someday! Loosley attached the u bolts to the shock plates then just worked in the fronts with a little help from a rubber mallet and a floor jack and some scrap 2x4s. Then jacked up the center section slowly to position the rear hangers and bolted them into the chassis. Just have some finish work to do and I'll finally be able to get this car back on 4 wheels! Not running and driving yet, oh no. But back on 4 wheels in 2020 was my goal which is now in sight. Thanks again all!!

So glad to hear that. Progress goes at different rates, and as long is it's happening sometimes, that is a good/satisfying thing...

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Thanks Lou. I have always appreciated the advice and support I've received over the years from this site. Such an amazing resource.
Ya know, as I opened up the plastic wrapping on my leaf springs from Espo I noticed the ship date was in mid-2015. They've been pushed around on my garage floor for 5 years, just too many other things have "gotten in the way". While 2020 has been a crazy and challenging year for everyone, one positive for me has been realizing that I have to reckon with this car.
Honestly, the biggest hurdle was resuming the undercoating removal which is just awful work. I started it when i rebuilt the front end years ago, then when I pulled out the rear suspension I continued removing it until i finished cleaning out one wheel well, and then i put it down for a LONG time. A few months ago, I just faced up to it and got back on the garage floor with the air chisel until i scraped all that crap off the entire chassis. I then POR-15ed the rear followed by chassis black before putting the axle assembly and leaf springs back in. Now I've got to get the brakes re-assembled and put the wheels back on. First major step of drivetrain re-install will then be done.
Please bear with me as I work through the rest! There will be more questions of a similar (order of operations) variety. Thanks again.

Gerard