Lift Springs install help

[ScrapIron]

I have a pair of 6 inch Weldtec leaf springs on the way via fedex, supposed to be here the 20th. I will be removing the Reyco/Granning rear air suspension system and installing the leaf springs in its place.

I have all of the brackets, bolts, nuts, axle plates, U-bolts, ect... Only thing i dont have are the rear shocks because i dont know if 6 inches in the rear will be enough (i may have to add a 1 inch block).

Does anyone have any pointers to make the job go smoother or any issues i should watch out for? I will be doing it by myself and im told the springs weigh right at 100 pounds each. My rear axle weight is in excess of 7400 pounds.

Someone stold my 12 ton jackstands out from in front of my garage door so i had to buy new jackstands and i picked up a new heavy duty floor jack while i was at it. My old jack is aluminum and not rated for this heavy truck so it is on its last leg. My truck is a 2005 E350 Chinook.

[E-350]

I personally didn’t have any problems doing it alone.

I bumped the rear up (after disconnecting the u bolts) the so you can install the leafs w/o tensions. Laid one side down on the ground to install the first side and then lifted the other one.

I just had some “alignment topics” as once you disconnect the axle will move a bit. Next time I would support the axle via the drive shaft so it can’t fall down. Somewhere at the u joints.

What you want to check is the spacing in the wheel wells. Moving a bit forward/ backwards might happen and therefore you should check the clearance.

Also check your driveline angles in case you changing your ride height. There are some guidelines you can find on the web/ in the forum. Forgot where I found mine.

[ScrapIron]

I was wondering about how far forward it would move the axle forward. I dont have leaf springs on it right now so i have nothing to reference in terms of how it was setup originally. Starting from pure scratch. I will have to install the leaf spring brackets and everything. One issue thats different than most folks is the fact it has dual rear wheels on it. Meaning the leaf spring are quite heavy duty and weigh in at 100 pound each...

I been having health issues for about a year now so im hoping im able to get this done by myself without ending up in the emergency room again. I cant do anything labor intensive if its hot outside so i will have to wait for a cool overcast day to get started.

[ScrapIron]

Picked the springs up at Fedex this afternoon. They got here a day early which is a first for me with Fedex. Doesnt look like the Temperature is going to be tolerable until thursday provided it doesnt rain.

[ScrapIron]

Anyone know which end is front and which end is back?

[TheLetterJ]

The larger diameter eye that is double wrapped goes towards the front.

[ScrapIron]

Ok thank you

[Vanimal]

You can also measure from eye to center pin. Short end goes to front.
I'd tell you how I use a bottle jack to set the springs but I'd get alot of flack about it so I'll refrain.

[ScrapIron]

Im hoping to get started on them tomorrow. The temperature is supposed to be reasonable all day finally.

[ScrapIron]

I got the passenger side spring installed today. Hardest part was removing the air suspension system. Tomorrow i will get the other side done. Should be easier on the driver side because theres less stuff in the way. Judging from what i see on the passenger side the truck should sit level when im finished without using any axle blocks.

A year ago i would have had this project done in a day but the old body seems to be wearing out on me.