Front spring install
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: east greenbush ny
Front spring install
I know there has been many post on the subject, but I can not find them. I am reinstalling coil springs on my 64 and having difficulty getting them to seat properly(bare frame). My question is as I compress the spring will they slide into place? I am using the threaded rod for the spring compression and it just seems they are not close to where they should be. If anyone has the procedure that would be great….Thanks
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 17
From: Woodinville Wa
Do you have the shorter spring? I replaced mine springs this winter and the replacement springs were the shorter ones.If you compare them with the stock longer spring the end are not like the old ones.They are also thicker wire. They will not seat in the pockets as the old ones.As stated the tops must be seated frist.The problem I had was that when the spring was installed they would rub on the frame. I called the vender and stated my problem they said that nobody has had a problem which I could not belive.
After play around with them I found if you set the top of the spring frist and then the botton and they rub you need to rotate spring untill it will not rub.I do not think they will pop into place. Hope this helps if that is your problem..........Vince
After play around with them I found if you set the top of the spring frist and then the botton and they rub you need to rotate spring untill it will not rub.I do not think they will pop into place. Hope this helps if that is your problem..........Vince
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 965
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles/Cave Creek IL/AZ
I replaced mine a few weeks ago...
...using the shorter 460# springs. Once the tops were properly seated, a little persuasion was required, not much though, to pop the bottoms into place.
While jacking up the lower control arms, there was a little noise as they adjusted themselves, but nothing intense.
While jacking up the lower control arms, there was a little noise as they adjusted themselves, but nothing intense.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 622
Likes: 24
From: Clermont Florida
If you are using coarse thread, that is going to be a pretty hard job, torquing that spring up. Get a fine thread rod if you can. Also, you need to contain that spring, in case the bolt were to break. A steel cable looped loosely through the spring, or a chain, wire tied, or hose clamped to the outside of the spring, and wrapped loosely around the frame. I once saw a hole in a 20 foot high gas station ceiling that looked exactly like a spring. Guess how that hole was made? Rich
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 2
From: Portland Oregon
I can tell you from personal experience, when working on the springs keep a chain or cable wrapped through them to keep them from shooting out of there if something comes undone unexpectedly.
While installing the springs I also wrapped a 1" tie down strap around the spring near the lower A arm and hooked the other end of the strap to a convenient spot on the frame inboard from the spring. By tightening the strap it helped pull the spring into the pocket as I gave it a couple of good kicks to pop it into place.
While installing the springs I also wrapped a 1" tie down strap around the spring near the lower A arm and hooked the other end of the strap to a convenient spot on the frame inboard from the spring. By tightening the strap it helped pull the spring into the pocket as I gave it a couple of good kicks to pop it into place.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
I did it on my '64 with the threaded rod, just as you propose. I used no external "safety devices" and everything went smoothly. Sure there is some risk involved, but the all-thread I used was thick and I accepted the risk.
BTW, I had the front springs powder coated, and after years and years, they still look new and shiney.
BTW, I had the front springs powder coated, and after years and years, they still look new and shiney.
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