Rear Leaf Spring Mounting Retainers and Insulators

[KYBlueOval]

I'm putting a parts order together and I have a question about the rear spring retainers and insulators. When I purchased my Ranchero, it came with a '55/'56 Ford rear end under it and had retainers and insulators between the shock mounting/U Bolt plate and the spring. There was not a set on top of the spring. I now have a 9 inch and I'm getting parts lined up to install it.
As I read the Concourse Parts book regarding these parts, there is a note saying that some '57's had these and some did not.  What is the purpose of these insulators and retainers? So, do I need them? Do I need them top and bottom?

B.T.W., Concourse Parts has a 10% off sale on through Dec.6th and free shipping on orders of $500.00 or more. The free freight does NOT apply to over sized parts like sway bars.

[hiball3985]

Look at the size of the hole on the rear end spring mounting surface. If it's the large hole you will need the insulators, small hole that is the same size as the spring bolt you won't. 

[RICH MUISE]

Yes, you need them. Aside from what little cush the 3/16 or so of rubber provides, what locates your rear end is the pin in the springs locating in the hole on the axle's spring perch. The metal retainer and the rubber insulator combine to make the pin fit in the hole snugly.
Classic auto parts in OK City was quite a bit cheaper on these parts than Concourse. A month or so ago, I was in OK City and picked up the last metal retainer they had, but he said they would probably have more in in a week or so.
If you're putting together a big shoping list, I'd do some price comparison with Classic before I ordered from Concorse. I could tell from the tooling marks on the pieces, btw, the classic part was made by the same mfg as Concorse.
I'd have to check back, but if you're ordering new shackles as well, there is a problem with the listing on the classic Auto Parts website/catalog. They list the shackle in two places, but one of the listings is in fact the front bushing, not a shackle.
I held the spring, insulators, retainers together with a velcro strap..just pulled it out before the ubolts were tightened.

[RICH MUISE]

I just read Jim's post that he did while I was typing mine...apparently once again we run into variations.

[KYBlueOval]

Well guys, I appreciate the responses as always. As I stated, the '55/'56 Ford rear end ( That is for sale! ) that I removed had one retainer and insulator. A close look and I find it has the large hole in the mounting pad, thus the need for the retainer and insulator. A close look of the '59 rear end I'm going to use, and I find the small locating hole just as Hiball said I might find. I'm a happy camper..........I just saved $80.00 + . Thank you both!

[hiball3985]

Well guys, I appreciate the responses as always. As I stated, the '55/'56 Ford rear end ( That is for sale! ) that I removed had one retainer and insulator. A close look and I find it has the large hole in the mounting pad, thus the need for the retainer and insulator. A close look of the '59 rear end I'm going to use, and I find the small locating hole just as Hiball said I might find. I'm a happy camper..........I just saved $80.00 + . Thank you both!

You may to spend some of that $80 on new U bolts. I think without the pads you may be short on threads? I guess you could cut some more?

[hiball3985]

I just read Jim's post that he did while I was typing mine...apparently once again we run into variations.

I don't know if there was any variation in the 57's, but did change in later years but I'm not sure when 58, 59 ?

[RICH MUISE]

My bad...forgot that he was using a '59 differential.

[hiball3985]

As an after thought I wish I had made some small adapters to eliminate the insulator..

[KYBlueOval]

You may to spend some of that $80 on new U bolts. I think without the pads you may be short on threads? I guess you could cut some more?

Jim, new U bolts will be used. I kept one rusty one from the '59 that gave up the rear end so I could get the correct size.
Thanks again for your knowledge sharing. I appreciate it very much. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
John

[hiball3985]

Same to you John and all our other members