Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1928 ford rear end, shackle bolts, shackels

Question
I am about to start the replacement of the rear end in my '28 from a normal speed rear end to a high speed rear end. I have all the new parts, gaskets, seals, and the repair book by Les Andrews which I intend to follow it to the letter. But I need help in hooking up the spring spreader to the rear spring. Mr. Andrews book does not have any directions as to how it should be mounted on the rear end. Is the spreader mounted on the rear spring so the A shape it has is upside down or right side up? And where are the ends of the spreader placed on the rear spring? I plan on replacing the rear shackels when I put the rear end back together, so I hope the spreader is not mounted on them. Hoping you can help me with the small problem. Thanks.
Kirk

Answer
There are two kinds of spring spreaders.  There is a short one for on the road repairs and the long one that goes from spring eye to eye.  I don't know what "A" shape you are talking about, but if there is an offset in it, it is there to clear the banjo housing of the rr. axle.  Stab each end of the spreader into the notch between the spring eye at each end and the main spring leaf.  All it does is push the two ends apart so you can get the shackle bolts in.  Hook one end up, then put the spreader on and push out the other end until you can get the bolt in.  
If this is not clear, get back to me and we will try again.

On the short spreader, it backs up to the diff bolts and pushes from there to get the unhooked eye into place.
jack