Getting Rear Axle back in

[culp46]

I'm in the process of restoring my 1929 fabric bodied RK saloon.  

The Car is completely in pieces. 

I'm trying to get the rear axle back onto the rear springs to ultimately get the chassis back on its wheels.  

I'm having the dickens of a job trying to get the rear spring pins in. 

I tried fitting the springs to the axle out of the chassis. That worked and the spring pins and cotters fitted, but, because of the toe in in the springs I couldnt get them to slide into the chassis.

I tried fitting the springs to the chassis first, I left it all loose with plenty of wiggle room. I have the rear axle roughly in the right place but I just can get it lined up sufficiently to slide in the spring pins.  Can anyone offer some advice as to how to go about doing it?

   

[Chris KC]

Before going any further, put the axle torque tube over the rear cross member, not under.

[David Cochrane]

And take the o/s brake lever off and put it back on with the ball facing the backplate.

[AustinWood]

With the chassis supported and the springs hanging free the axle should line up with a little fiddling.

[Tony Press]

And slacken off the Spring bolts and 'u' bolts to allow the springs to move freely in the chassis. 

Are the Springs original or replacements?

[Hugh Barnes]

I've found that Stilsons on the springs to 'tweak' (ie twist) them a little when lining up the spring pins can help...

[Peter Naulls]

Machine or file a small taper on the ends of the pins, it helps them to find their way in.

[Ruairidh Dunford]

Support the chassis from the rear cross member, so the springs hang down.

Remove the spring bolts completely.

Loosen the U bolts.

Use a Stilson to twist the spring eye into position and have a jack under the centre of the axle so you can raise it slightly to align the hole.

Take note of the advice above concerning the need for the torque tube to be above the cross member and to make a tapered end on the spring pin.

Once the pins are through, tap the springs into position and replace the bolts, then fit the taper pins and finally, once everything is in place, tighten each item.

If all of this still fails, call me on 01419428037.

[Alan]

Get a 6 inch length of 1/2inch bar. An old kingpin will do. Grind a small taper on one end. Use this from the inner side to locate the spring eye and the axle eye. Then, when it’s aligned, take the load off the spring and push the spring pin into position. When it’s almost reaching the spring bush give it a sharp hit with a mallet. Works for me.

[culp46]

Before going any further, put the axle torque tube over the rear cross member, not under.

ohh! Missed that   thanks

---

And take the o/s brake lever off and put it back on with the ball facing the backplate.

I did spot that......yesterday......about ten years after fitting it......

---

I've found that Stilsons on the springs to 'tweak' (ie twist) them a little when lining up the spring pins can help...

Goes away and Googles 'Stilson'

.......ohh one of those

---

Thanks all for the advice, I'm off to the garage to do battle once more, and fix some of my mistakes