Just found this pic from internet: http://zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?LowCt=0&action=cat&cat=MERCEDES%20TOOLS

Tool which I've used was loaned from Mercedes-service (thanks to Seppo ).

-jyrki from Finland-

www.hollowheads.net

Nice tool yfreak, never seen one like it, who makes it???

1957 ________________ Ford

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Y Blocks, The New Flathead!

Glad you had your job done. This kind of tool is best for that job. Done that several times with different length of springs.

 

-jyrki from Finland-

www.hollowheads.net

Yeah Tom I made sure I had a chain through it as you said though "You do not need a lot of weight to install the springs" the leverage gained with this method made it a very easy install, the ratchet strap did it with ease. I guess like anything there is varied quality ratchet straps, I wouldnt probably try it with a $2.99 type one, then again I wouldn't tie my bikes down with them either

Merry Xmas everyone

1957 ________________ Ford

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Y Blocks, The New Flathead!

There in!!!

 I had a go at what you said john and without the allthread in got the spring engaged in the pocket, Then (toms thoughts kicked in) I put a 1" fabric ratchet motorcycle tie down over the top of the top a arm and  down onto the lower a arm steering bump stop, It ratcheted up no problem and I was able to then fit the lower ball joint a piece of cake.

I still have all my digits, both eyes and didn't lose any bark off my paint either i put some rag over the top a arm where the strap would have rubbed and it worked fine.

If you look at a problem long enough and seek some good advice along the way, it all works out in the end.

Cheers all.

1957 ________________ Ford

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Y Blocks, The New Flathead!

John, My springs are currently stock length  i think (but if I dont get some results shortly may be 1 - 1 1/2 coils shorter...) I cant even get the spring into the pocket at this length, the springs are currently 15 1/2 inches in height??? Stock i am guessing, 

I am about to try removing the a arm mount bolts and trying to attach the stub axle to both a arms and then see if I can get the spring in the pocket and then jack the lower a arm up and refit the lower a arm bolts to the frame??? Anyone tried this before???

It looks all to easy in the manual, but as this is just a frame without engine and trans and body I dont have a lot of down weight to use to my advantage, I dont really want to gark up my chassis paintwork with a chain at this stage but might have to.

The 16mm rod bent like a freakin banana and is good for nothing but garage art now...

Any input appreciated from all

Regards and all the best to everyone for the festive season. I enjoy the company of all the forum members and the advice and knowledge of all.

Stay safe. (hopefully I dont end up pinned under the A arm for a week until help arrives... Might pack some supplies at arms reach...

1957 ________________ Ford

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Y Blocks, The New Flathead!

Dutchy:

No, I push the lower A Arm down with the arm attached to the frame until I can get the spring into its pocket, jack the arm up until it lifts the frame, then put the allthread in.  I don't see why your allthread didn't work, 16mm is virtually the same size as my 5/8".

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I have not accomplished yet john I tried 16mm allthread to compress the spring only with the lower and upper A arms installed on their pivots. I cranked and cranked till there was a pile of sweat on the floor but either the spring cocked over or I just couldnt get it high enough with the power of the 16mm thread. a thrust washer may have helped.

So you are saying that you are pulling up the lower A arm unmounted with the coil spring engaged also and then mounting the lower pivots bushes afterwards, is that right????

 

Regards

1957 ________________ Ford

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Y Blocks, The New Flathead!

It's probably too late, you probably have the springs in by now with the great suggestions.  I have a piece of 5/8 all thread, fish it through the shock hole, the spring, and the A Arm, put a plate on the bottom with a nut, a washer and nut on the top of the shock mount, and crank it down to compress the spring.  Spring can't possibly escape if something slips.  I use it to remove the spring also.  I have found a thrust bearing out of an old kingpin set that I use under the upper washer, makes turning the nut easier.

John in Selma, IN

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

On the install, I rigged up this HILLBILLY contraption with 4" x 4" wooden post beams from concrete floor to a beam I had in the ceiling, then drilled and bolted a 2" x 6" crossbrace over the top of the frame to the vertical posts. Then it was unmovable,up or down. Used a floor jack to raise and lower the A-frames. Worked perfectly and was easy to make and tear down. It looked really embarrassing.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK