Coil Spring Removal
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Coil Spring Removal
Im needing to remove the coil springs for a front end rebuild on my 81. Will a set of coil spring compressors fit in the space to slightly retain/compress the spring for lower control arm removal?
Thanks for your assistance.
Thanks for your assistance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
You need internal spring compressor. That goes up in were the shock is. I was suprised how easy the job of taken out the springs is. I went to my local tool rental place,and rented the internal spring compressor for $14.00 a day. If you want to buy it. It cost around $75.00.. I bought one at the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona for $20.00
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,434
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St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by Brown78
I bought one at the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona for $20.00
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 1
When I did my front end work, I got the spring compr. from Autozone as mentioned above. I couldn't figure out how to make it work up my towers so I used a floor jack and just unloaded the spring slowly and carefully, with inner control arms in tact. I agree with redc3. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
All you need is a floor jack under the lower control arm. Spring compressors make it hazardous and time consuming. After the lower control arm is supported firmly (in the spring pocket) by a floor jack, you release the lower ball joint. Lower the jack slowly, and let the spring unload. It is very simple and stress free to do so.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
no compressor needed
Trust me I am scared of springs too but if you will follow the instructions on lars's technote about front suspension rebuilds you will be surprised at how easy and safe this job is (if you have a small block).
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Oreland PA
I just did my 76 and did not use a spring compressor. I had a floor jack under the lower control arm and let it down until there was no pressure on the spring. i them pulled the arm down and pulled out the spring. if you ever used one of those compressors, they are a pain and spce is limited. I just did the reverse to put the new one in. Make sure it is sitting in the control arm correctly.
BE VERY CAREFUL!!!!! THIS WORKED FOR ME BUT YOU MUST BE THE JUDGE OF WHAT IS A SAFE WAY TO DO THIS!!!!!!!!!
BE VERY CAREFUL!!!!! THIS WORKED FOR ME BUT YOU MUST BE THE JUDGE OF WHAT IS A SAFE WAY TO DO THIS!!!!!!!!!
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 0
From: calgary alberta
Originally Posted by gator79
anyone tried it with the engine and body off? bet I will need the compresser, without the weight on the chassis
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Let me say this. I used a floor jack to take the springs out. Took about 40 min. for both sides. Getting them back in wasn't that easy with a floor jack. With the spring comps I had both sides in and sit in the pocket, lower ball joint connected in less than 45 minutes. I don't like to fight with anything that can take my hand ,finger. When I can do it the easyway. Just my 2 cents.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
with the engine out, I used my cherry picker and attached a chain to each bolt on the lower control arm shaft, took up the slack, removed the bolts and lowered the arm down, very easy. Now with the body off I will just strap the frame to the cherry picker legs and jack the lower arm into place. I have never used a floor jack for this job, but it seems that the cherry picker gives you a little more control. Obviously wouldn't work with the engine in, wouldn't be enough room. Bob
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by rgreensides
with the engine out, I used my cherry picker and attached a chain to each bolt on the lower control arm shaft, took up the slack, removed the bolts and lowered the arm down, very easy. Now with the body off I will just strap the frame to the cherry picker legs and jack the lower arm into place. I have never used a floor jack for this job, but it seems that the cherry picker gives you a little more control. Obviously wouldn't work with the engine in, wouldn't be enough room. Bob
