OME installation help

[Caveman84]

This is my first attempt changing the suspension in my Land Cruiser, I must admit I thought it might be a little easier than I’ve experienced so far

I’m at the stage I’m installing the rear leaf springs, and I just cannot figure out how get them on properly. I installed front eye first, then attempted the rear but I could not install the rear shackle to the spring eye unless I removed the inversion pin. Then if use a pry bar I can install the inversion pin but then cannot install the other shackle plate because there’s so much pressure on the pins. Have I missed something obvious? Should the spring be maxed out on the inversion pin at this stage?

I’ve not yet tried removing the other wheel to try and lower the axle a little. But intuitively it doesn’t feel like this would make a difference here

 

[georgebj60]

If I understand the problem correctly, you need to raise the axle to flatten/lengthen the springs. Then you’ll be able to get the anti-inversion pins in. You may need to persuade the shackles to not go inverted, and to do that I used a ratchet strap to keep the axle from sliding forward, which forces the shackles to pivot backwards properly.

 

[Caveman84]

If I understand the problem correctly, you need to raise the axle to flatten/lengthen the springs. Then you’ll be able to get the anti-inversion pins in. You may need to persuade the shackles to not go inverted, and to do that I used a ratchet strap to keep the axle from sliding forward, which forces the shackles to pivot backwards properly.

Thanks for that. I thought if I did that the spring might fly off the shackle with only one shackle plate installed. I might just ratchet that as well for comfort

 

[robbl]

GEORGEBJ60's comment about ratchet straps as an aid to flattening springs seems spot on. If I recall correctly, I also used a floor jack under the spring and axle to get the spring to flatten enough to tap pins in. Lots of force there - so watch out!
As a side note, the regular shackles use a bolt to hold the pin plate in position - and if that bolt is too long it can rub on the flexing spring as the eye rotates, causing lots of popping and clunking. I ground mine down so they don't protrude far enough to contact that spring eye.