Removal of Front Leaf Spring
07-23-2016, 11:51 PM
#1
Running Guns & Moonshine
Thread Starter
Removal of Front Leaf Spring
I've been working on several projects today but have only made partial headway with swapping out my front factory spring and shocks for Ridetech coilovers.
The shocks came out fast.
Now I have hit the height adjustment bolts with PB five times this evening.
I was just thinking of getting the torch to apply some heat when the passenger bolt finally began to budge. I shot the flashlight at it only to find that the bolt has begun to strip.
First - the bolt doesn't actually attach to the lower a-arm from the looks. Correct? Just press against it with a plastic/rubber bushing of sorts.
Second - can I cut the leaf spring in a bubba job without much risk of damaging the rest of the car or myself?
How do I resolve this pain in the neck?
The shocks came out fast.
Now I have hit the height adjustment bolts with PB five times this evening.
I was just thinking of getting the torch to apply some heat when the passenger bolt finally began to budge. I shot the flashlight at it only to find that the bolt has begun to strip.
First - the bolt doesn't actually attach to the lower a-arm from the looks. Correct? Just press against it with a plastic/rubber bushing of sorts.
Second - can I cut the leaf spring in a bubba job without much risk of damaging the rest of the car or myself?
How do I resolve this pain in the neck?
07-24-2016, 12:19 AM
#3
Running Guns & Moonshine
Thread Starter
So..... basically don't bother with the height adjustment bolts and just yank the a-arm and drop the spring.
Doable!
Doable!
07-24-2016, 08:58 AM
#5
Running Guns & Moonshine
Thread Starter
Thanks for getting me sorted on this one. I just need to get a long 21mm socket for the lower a-arm nut and I'll be in business.
Last edited by Tusc; 07-24-2016 at 02:33 PM.
07-24-2016, 11:51 AM
#6
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For a base spring to coilover conversion I'd just remove the spring retaining plates and then cut the spring with a sawzall. You'd never use it again anyways.
Otherwise you are right. Jack up the end of the spring and pull the lower a-arm then drop the jack so the spring comes out. Just make sure the car is about 20" off the ground or the jack will hit bottom with the spring still under pressure.
Otherwise you are right. Jack up the end of the spring and pull the lower a-arm then drop the jack so the spring comes out. Just make sure the car is about 20" off the ground or the jack will hit bottom with the spring still under pressure.
07-24-2016, 02:32 PM
#7
Running Guns & Moonshine
Thread Starter
Lionelhutz - I read and used your directions this morning. Your approach is right on. They should delete the LS1howto link.
Yes, jack under the spring, remove lower a-arm bolts, bring the jack down slowly and maneuver the a-arm out of the way. Perfect.
Thanks, guys. Got the leaf out intact and the new coilovers are in and looking mint. Now to yank the fender and work on methanol pump mounting and remote coil location.
Yes, jack under the spring, remove lower a-arm bolts, bring the jack down slowly and maneuver the a-arm out of the way. Perfect.
Thanks, guys. Got the leaf out intact and the new coilovers are in and looking mint. Now to yank the fender and work on methanol pump mounting and remote coil location.
Good to hear it all worked out.