47-55.1 Rear Axle Problem....

[Dachshund]

This is on my 1947 (late) Chevy 3600....

I am TRYING to get the rear axle installed, but no go. It seems that it grew about 1" since I took it off! I can get the U-bolts on ONE side, but the other just will NOT line up!
Now -- the 1/2" "Spacers" that go on the shackles are installed toward the out side of the shackles, and the leaf springs are installed with the two "clamps" to the rear - one to the front.

I am thinking that those spacers need to go on the inside (toward the frame) of the spring shackle, but not sure.

Any ideas? I was HOPING to get the thing installed today....

[mr48chev]

My memory for what others have done on their rigs and what has been discussed before is somewhere between slim and none. I'm thinking your rig is pretty well stock and you didn't change anything but are just freshening the suspension up with some new pieces.

What have you changed? Springs? Bushings? Axle housing? Or ??

The 4th photo down in this Jim Carter link shows a 3600 rear suspension in the "before" mode and studying it (you might have to save and enlarge it a bit) you might see something that gives you a clue. https://oldchevytrucks.com/blog/index.php/tag/34-ton/