Rear leaf removal - Charger

morgan · Post by **morgan** » Thu Jul 20, 06 12:38 pm

All -

My Harpenden/Nats chances are still looking dicey...
Been under car sat,sun,mon,tue,wed - guess where I am going to be tonight ?

Status is -
Headers both off, steering off, starter motor changed.
New TTis have been test, they fit *lovely*. Problem is they are longer than the headers that were on there, so I need to shorten the exhaust pipe. TTi kindly supplies the bits to weld in.

The rear section of the exhaust will not come apart - too rusted together.
The only way for me to get the thing out is to remove the leaf spring (which is in the way) and then wiggle to whole thing out sideways...

So - and here's the question - When removing leaf springs do I want the axle hanging down , or jacked up ? What I dont want is an enormous 'TWANG!' sound and then I cannot get it back in.

It's so frustrating - I am about a days work away from getting it done, but everything throws up another problem ! I just need the damn exhaust off the car (sobbing)...

Anyway - Leaf springs, avoid twang, how ? Thanks -

Morgan.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Thu Jul 20, 06 12:44 pm

Easier to cut the exhaust and fix the bit that should come apart.

To remove the spring you need to get the chassis on axle stands and let the axle hang down supported with a jack. Take the shock absorbers off (just at the bottom) and then place axle stands under the axle as well.

Take off the U-bolts holding the axle to the spring. Then remove the front hanger and rest that end on the floor. Last of all remove the rear hanger.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Thu Jul 20, 06 12:46 pm

Bear in mind that if the U-bolts are original that may take a lot of work to get off. It is also very likely they will get damaged in the process.

You can get replacements easy though.

Guy · Post by **Guy** » Thu Jul 20, 06 12:52 pm

You will also have to remove the parking brake cable and the flexy rear brake pipe. as Dave said cut the exhaust...

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Thu Jul 20, 06 12:58 pm

You can leave them in Guy if you keep the axle in place on stands.

morgan · Post by **morgan** » Thu Jul 20, 06 1:13 pm

Thanks chaps - I actually think if I just undo the rear hanger then the exhaust will come out whole (so close already, but because of the loop over the axle it wont quite come - another few inches)

I'm quite liking the idea of 'cut it'. Ive gotta take it to get the new bits welded in anyway - so might as well just get that done at the same time.

Thanks !

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Thu Jul 20, 06 1:45 pm

Learn to weld young man. Learn to weld.