Upgrade leaf springs on Mk2

[davev6newman]

At long last i fitted new springs to my camper today. I was expecting it to be a bit of a mare but it all went very well.

I only had 2 leaf springs on the rear and these had spring assisters on them, but it still looked a little low, so i bought some nearly new Ford 3 leaf springs and it sure does make all the difference.

First of all i jacked up the van by the diff and got it nice and high, then put some big heavy duty stands under the chassis just in front of the inner spring hanger and lowered the van down. I just had enough clearance to get the wheels off. I kept the trolley jack under the diff to take the weight when i released the springs.

Next i wire brushed and sprayed WD 40 on the U bolts and started to loosen them, this was the most difficult part as the nuts (19mm) were so tight to get off and the thread is fine that it made your shoulders ache a bit, even with an extension in the ratchet handle.

Once the U bolts were off i undid the big bolt on the inner shackle (27mm) and removed the bolt, then undid the lower bolt on the shock absorber (19mm) and then the rear spring hangers (19mm). These took a bit of prizing off with a copper mallet and a big screwdriver.

I could now lower the trolley jack and lift the spring away.

Refitting was just a reversal, i just layed the spring on the axle carrier and jacked up the axle so the inner bush was in place, fitted the big bolt, then fitted the rear spring hangers , replace shock absorber bolt and then the U bolts. Repeat for the other side.