In a message dated 98-07-13 07:04:08 EDT, tr6@pipeline.com writes:
<< Subj: TD Rear Springs
I'm in the process of rebuilding the rear leaf springs on my TD and have a
few questions.
1. I would replace the silentblock bushing in the process. Any suggestions
on how to remove this bushing?
With the spring removed from the car, I removed the silentblock with two
sockets. One was just a hair smaller than the bushing and the other was large
enough to receive the bushing. I used a vice on the bench to push the bushing
out wiht one socket into the other.
2. Should I leave it alone (hate to do that after replacing all of the
other rubber components)?
I would replace them just to do a complete job. They deteriorate just like
the other components.
3. Does anyone have any other recommendations of do's or don't's regarding
the springs?
Just make sure you put all the spring parts back together the way you found
them. I'd also compare a part from one side to the opposite side component to
see if they were about the same. You might discover a weak leaf in the
process. You might get a clue if you looked at the car before taking
everything apart. Was the car sitting evenly or sagging on one side ?
4. I thought of having them powder coated while I have them apart. Has any
one done this before?
I used plain old gloss black enamel and let the parts sit in the sun for a
couple of days before reassembly. It turned out great and is a lot cheaper.
Like everything else, the job takes time but is not all that difficult to do.
Jim
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