putting axles and springs under frame, need advice

OK, I'm almost ready to put my axles and springs on my frame, and I need to start developing a plan. What's the best/easiest/safest way to do this?

Tires & wheels on the axles, or no?

Attach springs to axles first, or no?

Attach springs to frame hangers first, slide axles onto springs and attach, then raise whole mess up and install shackles?

Assemble axles, wheels, and springs all together, and lower frame down onto the assembly?

I have a 3-ton floor jack, an electric hoist overhead, 8 jackstands, roller wheels/tires, and all the parts, so I'm ready to go. Just need to know the best way to do it. I can raise the axles up to the frame, or lower the frame down to the axles. Working solo too, have everything I need except extra hands.

Suggestions, brethren?

 

I think I'd put one end of the frame up on jack stands, wheels on, and put the floor jack under the third member. Unbolt the u-bolts on one side and raise the axle off the spring. R&R the spring, then lower the axle onto the spring. Install u-bolts. Repeat for each corner. I might take the wheels off in pairs after I put the frame on stands.

 

Oh.

Then I'd probably assemble the springs to the axles with the wheels on and roll the assembly under the Jeep.

 

that's how I do it

 

Yeah Tim, frame is bare nekkid. Guess I didn't mention that.

So, general concensus leans towards either springs on frame in the hangers, and roll the axle w/wheels onto the springs, OR complete assemblies axle/wheels/springs, and lower the frame down onto it? That sounds reasonable, just wasn't sure if there's a "correct" way to do it.

 

I would hang the springs than roll axles under
a lot easier if you are doing it by yourself

 

Well, yeah, that makes good sense. Guess I'll just wait until the moment arrives, and see how much room I actually have to work with. I may not even have the space to put the springs on the axle first, I might have to hang them on the frame and roll the axle in.

Anyway, I've learned that putting the wheels on the axles first is a good thing, either way I go! That Harbor Freight electric hoist is gonna pay for itself, again. Sure glad my garage has a steel I-beam across the ceiling.

 

i couldnt get my jeep high enough to roll the axle in with the wheels on. ended up bolting one end of the spring to the hanger and the shackle end laying on the ground. me and my cousin grabed each side of the axle and set in on the spring center pins. then we put the ubolts and spring plates on and jacked the hole thing up and bolted up the shackles.
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That's pretty much how I do it. :iagree:

 

I'll most likely be able to put the wheels on and do the same process, I have an electric hoist in the garage that'll lift the frame high enough.

 

x2