Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 305

REAR SUSPENSION 4-19
SPRING DAMPENER
(X SERIES)
5. Compress rubber cushion in the following sequence
(Fig. 4-24).
a. Tighten clamps No. 1 and No. 2 equally until
maximum deflection of rubber is achieved.
REMOVE
b. Install clamp No. 3 and tighten to obtain addi-
tional rubber compression.
1. Raise rear of car.
2. Install "C" clamp over dampener.
3. Straighten tab of dampener retainer.
4. Remove "C" clamp, dampener retainer, dampener
and rubber cushion.
INSTALL
1. Install rubber cushion ten (100) inches from center-
line of spring front eye bushing.
2. Place dampener and retainer into position.
3. Place a steel bar with approximate dimensions of 1"
x 2" x 6" on top of rubber cushion and retainer.
4. Install two (2) "C" clamps in the locations shown in
Fig. 4-24.
-.
-1g. 4-24 Installation of Spring Dampener on X Series with
Single Leaf Spring
6. Bend male end of retainer towards spring until flush.
7. Repeat Step 4 with female retainer leg fitting slot over
tab. Remove any excess bends in retainer strap before
finally bending tab back to lock retainer in position.
8. Test dampener retention assuring that no movement
exists between strap and dampener.
NOTE: Do not confuse rubber resilience with
possible looseness.
M A I N LEAF
(LEAF SPRING)
REMOVE
NOTE: The main leaf (Fig. 4-25) is the only leaf
o f the spring that is replaceable. I f any of the
smaller leafs require replacement, the entire
spring assembly must be replaced.
1. Remove spring (See L E A F SPRING
-
REMOVE).
2. Pry the tabs of the spring leaf cips up with a screw-
driver and remove clips and clip liners from spring.
3. Install "C" clamp near the center locating nut and
bolt of spring to keep spring leafs compressed
together.
4. Remove the center locating nut and bolt.
5. Carefully release the "C" clamp.
6. Separate the smaller leafs of the spring from the main
leaf.
CAUTION: Be sure to note the position of each
leaf in regard to the front o f the spring. I f a leaf
is installed beackwards, the spring will be da-
maged and the designed strength of the spring
effected.
INSTALL
1. Reverse the above steps for reassembly.