Front coil question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Front coil question
One of the few things that the previous owner of my project 71 coupe completed was the front suspension. Tie rods, ball joints, coils looks pretty much like it’s all new. However I recently noticed that the driver side front wheel well arch is about ¾ of an inch higher from the center to the ground than the passenger side. Looking into this I have noticed that the driver side coil is not seated correctly. From what it have read this can be up to 3/8th of an inch difference. The question is would this translate to the ¾ of an inch difference at the wheel well arch? Would I use a spring compressor to compress the spring and seat it correctly?
Thanks
Scott
Thanks
Scott
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Scott,
The fact that the spring isn't seated properly will contribute to the ride height difference but may not be all of it.
Using a spring compressor that allows you to turn the spring in place is the way to seat it. Some compressors don't allow the spring to turn once the compression takes place so study what you need before you get started.
What is the ride height on each side compared to the typical dimension given in the AIM?
Regards,
Alan
The fact that the spring isn't seated properly will contribute to the ride height difference but may not be all of it.
Using a spring compressor that allows you to turn the spring in place is the way to seat it. Some compressors don't allow the spring to turn once the compression takes place so study what you need before you get started.
What is the ride height on each side compared to the typical dimension given in the AIM?
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Hello Alan (HAPPY NEW YEAR!)
The AIM says just under 28” from the factory mine sets at 291/8th on the driver side and at 28 ½ on the passenger side with 225 70’s (both inflated to 36lb) the springs are new with no more mileage than in and out of the garage. I will be changing the tires to 235 60’s in the near future.
Thanks again
Scott
The AIM says just under 28” from the factory mine sets at 291/8th on the driver side and at 28 ½ on the passenger side with 225 70’s (both inflated to 36lb) the springs are new with no more mileage than in and out of the garage. I will be changing the tires to 235 60’s in the near future.
Thanks again
Scott
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
This pic isn't great but I remembered taking it when someone else asked a spring question. If you look at the inspection hole in the top spring pocket you should see the edge of the coil spring covering ~1/2 of the hole. IIRC the thing at the top left of the pic is a flashlight and below it is the top of the shock mount.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Thanks, the photo does help! Well as I suspected on mine one hole …nothing insight and the other side totally covered. The local discount auto store loans tools out with a deposit. I will check to see if they have a coil compressor and get these seated and hope that the front levels out.
Thanks for the help.
Scott
Thanks for the help.
Scott
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
Had the same issue on my '69. After removing the wheel I was able to remove the spindle nut (with a floor jack underneath) and lower the lower a-arm enough to spin my spring, no spring compressor required since there was no real dis-assembly and all the load was off the spring. just be careful when lowering with the floor jack.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
While I would most definitely take the time to seat the spring correctly, I would take measurements from the inner pivot bolts of the lower A-arm to the ground. Compare both sides. Using body measurements for ride height comparisons can be skewed by prior collision repairs, sagging body cushions, etc.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Had the same issue on my '69. After removing the wheel I was able to remove the spindle nut (with a floor jack underneath) and lower the lower a-arm enough to spin my spring, no spring compressor required since there was no real dis-assembly and all the load was off the spring. just be careful when lowering with the floor jack.
Did you have to remove the shock?
Thanks
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
It was soooooo long ago. I have coil overs now and my car has been in a million pieces for 2 years now... But if i remember correctly you can probably just undo the upper nut on the shock to have enough travel in the arm. but again, it's been ages.