Small block spring removal help please.....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
Small block spring removal help please.....
I have Moog 5758 stock non-A/C coil springs. They are just under 13" tall with no load. I am going to remove them and then cut 1 coil or 3/4" off and re-install them. I have read posts that say you don't need a spring compressor since they are shorter than the original factory springs. Is that correct?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,696
Likes: 3,683
From: Central Arkansas
I would use a compressor to be safe on dissassembly. If you put them in yourself and were able to install them without a compessor then that might be a different story. I'd hate for your next post to be about broken jaw or garage window.
Dan
Dan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 8,506
Likes: 3
From: Calhoun, GA_______ Let It Rock
They are short and easy to install. Just run a chain down through them and fasten the links with a good nut/bolt. Leave enough slack in the chain so the a-arm will go all the way down.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: St. Louis MO
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Ken
I swapped springs this week on my '68 from stock to Moog 5758's. I did NOT use compresser on stock or Moog. BUT make sure you use chain to avoid accidents. After installing Moog's vette was same height as stock so I pull them out and cut 1 coil which lower car by 2". Went from 27 5/8 to 25 5/8. Also installed 8" bolts to lower rear.
George
Car specs: 1968 Vette, 350 4 spd, PS, PB
I swapped springs this week on my '68 from stock to Moog 5758's. I did NOT use compresser on stock or Moog. BUT make sure you use chain to avoid accidents. After installing Moog's vette was same height as stock so I pull them out and cut 1 coil which lower car by 2". Went from 27 5/8 to 25 5/8. Also installed 8" bolts to lower rear.
George
Car specs: 1968 Vette, 350 4 spd, PS, PB
Last edited by Black_Magic; Aug 28, 2009 at 08:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
George,
I cut just about 1/4" short of a full coil on the Moog 5758 springs which equaled 3/4" reduction in free height. It was the end with the stamping which was a little flatter than the other end. How did that transfer to 2" under load ??? I thought for 1" free height it would be 1.6" lower under load so I cut 3/4" trying for 1" to 1 1/2" lower under load.
I cut just about 1/4" short of a full coil on the Moog 5758 springs which equaled 3/4" reduction in free height. It was the end with the stamping which was a little flatter than the other end. How did that transfer to 2" under load ??? I thought for 1" free height it would be 1.6" lower under load so I cut 3/4" trying for 1" to 1 1/2" lower under load.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 552
From: St. Louis MO
2020 Corvette of the Year (appearance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
CI 4-5-7-9-10-11 Car Show Winner
CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-9-10-11 Vet
George,
I cut just about 1/4" short of a full coil on the Moog 5758 springs which equaled 3/4" reduction in free height. It was the end with the stamping which was a little flatter than the other end. How did that transfer to 2" under load ??? I thought for 1" free height it would be 1.6" lower under load so I cut 3/4" trying for 1" to 1 1/2" lower under load.
I cut just about 1/4" short of a full coil on the Moog 5758 springs which equaled 3/4" reduction in free height. It was the end with the stamping which was a little flatter than the other end. How did that transfer to 2" under load ??? I thought for 1" free height it would be 1.6" lower under load so I cut 3/4" trying for 1" to 1 1/2" lower under load.
George
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 92
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
George,
I cut just about 1/4" short of a full coil on the Moog 5758 springs which equaled 3/4" reduction in free height. It was the end with the stamping which was a little flatter than the other end. How did that transfer to 2" under load ??? I thought for 1" free height it would be 1.6" lower under load so I cut 3/4" trying for 1" to 1 1/2" lower under load.
I cut just about 1/4" short of a full coil on the Moog 5758 springs which equaled 3/4" reduction in free height. It was the end with the stamping which was a little flatter than the other end. How did that transfer to 2" under load ??? I thought for 1" free height it would be 1.6" lower under load so I cut 3/4" trying for 1" to 1 1/2" lower under load.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,262
Likes: 39
From: Goldsboro NC
Don't need a spring compressor. You can install and remove the springs without it. I use a chain through the coil spring for safety and lower and raise the lower a-arm with a floor jack.
BTW. good post and pics by Black Magic. My tall stock 67 springs and replacement springs looked like his. I got the really tall stock springs out w/o a spring compressor. Just jack the front up high enough to pull the a-arm down to the floor to remove it. The shorter replacement springs are easy in and out.
BTW. good post and pics by Black Magic. My tall stock 67 springs and replacement springs looked like his. I got the really tall stock springs out w/o a spring compressor. Just jack the front up high enough to pull the a-arm down to the floor to remove it. The shorter replacement springs are easy in and out.
Last edited by Jeff Garner; Aug 29, 2009 at 09:35 AM.
