Refitting renovated axles

I am doing a complete renovation of an early series 3 including Richards chassis. Now the axles have been rebuilt and new parabolic springs delivered any ideas how a 72 year old man should proceed. Assemble the axles and springs and jack up, put springs in first and thread the axles through or put wheels on the complete assembly and then offer up. No ramp, but the height of the chassis can be manipulated.

I would say springs first, than axle, two people will make life easier as finger traps everywhere
Dont tighten anything until the wheels are on the floor

Thank you, sons might be available?

Connect the springs loosely to the axles, roll them under the chassis and connect the front spring bolt, then lower the chassis until you can get the rear shackle bolt in, jobs done.

Thank you

BruceB said:

Connect the springs loosely to the axles, roll them under the chassis and connect the front spring bolt, then lower the chassis until you can get the rear shackle bolt in, jobs done.

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I would agree with this one. Fully assemble the axle and fit bare wheel rims (no tyres) so it can easily be rolled around without needing the chassis all the way up in the air. Fit the springs to the axle and then roll in from either end. Attach the spring to the chassis and then lower the chassis until the shackle lines up and can be bolted into place. Then as mentioned above do not tighten the spring bolts until the vehicle is fully rebuilt and sitting on the floor so it has the correct weight resting on the springs.

Agreed. Because it's easier fettle things BEFORE going under the chassis. Springs not seating into axles etc.

Thank you, I think full assembly is the way to go.

I did the rear 2 years ago with new axle casing and the front a few years before that.
What worked for me, working alone

• fix the inner end of springs to chassis
• Wrestle axle into position and bolt to springs not yet torque up
• Jack up one spring at a time to fix to shackle
• Repeat on other spring
• I would leave wheels off , just reduces access and adds weight
  pretty straightforward no drama in getting shackle bolts in

Oh. And ratchet straps are a great help, worth investing.