Rear spring removal?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 0
From: Ridgecrest CA
Rear spring removal?
Is there a trick to getting it out? It looks like it should unbolt from the 2 ends and the 4 bolts in the center, then slide it out the back?
I discovered when I was puttering under there finishing out the steering that the rear spring is flat and two of the center volts are busted off...
I guess I am not getting on the road this week.
What do you recommend for a new spring? I am looking at the 2.25" 9 leaf spring from Volunteer, as that is what I currently have, but they and MAD both say that a 78 should have a 2.5" spring. Anyone know what the correct type is?
I discovered when I was puttering under there finishing out the steering that the rear spring is flat and two of the center volts are busted off...
I guess I am not getting on the road this week.
What do you recommend for a new spring? I am looking at the 2.25" 9 leaf spring from Volunteer, as that is what I currently have, but they and MAD both say that a 78 should have a 2.5" spring. Anyone know what the correct type is?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 14
From: Lancaster PA
You will need to jack up the rear of the car and place it on stands. Then take the jack and place it as close to the end bolt as you can. You may want to lock some visegrips to the spring to keep the jack from slipping inward when you start to lower it. Jack up the spring until there is no pressure on the bolt and remove the bolt. Slowly release the jack and lower the spring end. Repeat on other side. Then remove the 4 bolts on the center plate and lower the spring. It will be a little heavy so either support it with the jack or keep clear when it falls. If you have 2 busted bolts you will need to drill and retap the threads. Good Luck
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 44
From: Florham Park NJ Port Credit Ontario
I've heard a couple of varying opinions on a fiberglass spring. Some say its an improvement, some say its a bouncier ride. I myself went with a steel spring from VB&P. It matched the rest of the suspension package I went with and am very happy with it.
As for your broken bolts, I'd probably replace the rear diff cover while I'm at it and upgrade to some adjustable camber rods.
As for your broken bolts, I'd probably replace the rear diff cover while I'm at it and upgrade to some adjustable camber rods.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 721
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Be careful removing the bolts on the ends of the springs.
That spring, IF the jack slips, will fly down under tremendous force, and could cause you GREAT harm.
Use the vice grip trick. Chuck
That spring, IF the jack slips, will fly down under tremendous force, and could cause you GREAT harm.
Use the vice grip trick. Chuck
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
1. To make it easy, drop the tips of your exhaust at the rear. Only takes a couple of bolts. This will allow the spring to slide out easier.
2. Position your jack just inside the bolt holding the spring. Clamp a vice grip onto the spring next to the jack to prevent the jack from sliding.
3. Relieve tension on the spring and remove the nut & bolt. Gently lower the jack.
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. Remove the 4 bolts holding the spring to the diff cover.
6. Slide out the spring.
7. As long as you're at it, this is a good time to check the fluid in the diff and change it if it's sludge.
8. Consider a monospring replacement - the handling is great when combined with some stiff shocks.
2. Position your jack just inside the bolt holding the spring. Clamp a vice grip onto the spring next to the jack to prevent the jack from sliding.
3. Relieve tension on the spring and remove the nut & bolt. Gently lower the jack.
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. Remove the 4 bolts holding the spring to the diff cover.
6. Slide out the spring.
7. As long as you're at it, this is a good time to check the fluid in the diff and change it if it's sludge.
8. Consider a monospring replacement - the handling is great when combined with some stiff shocks.
