Front spring compression
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Front spring compression
I have run into a bit of a problem with my front-end overhaul job. I have the control arms installed and am ready to install the spring, then attach the spindle and shock. I also have the engine out of the car and I can't get the spring to compress enough to attach due to a lack of weight on the front end. I have a spring compressor but, how do you compress the spring while it is in the conrol arms and still get the s-compressor out or is there another method? 
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
You can drop the compressor bolt down through the upper shock mount hole and compress the spring. I found that you might need to use a pry bar to get the spring seated in the upper pocket since the pocket is at an angle.
If you are working in a garage you could also wedge a 2x6 between the frame and a ceiling joist to hold the front end down while you jack the lower control arm.
Rick B.
If you are working in a garage you could also wedge a 2x6 between the frame and a ceiling joist to hold the front end down while you jack the lower control arm.
Rick B.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
I remember how much of a PIA it was just to get the spring compressor into the coil spring to get the darn things off the car.
Just make sure your grabbing as many rings as possible then compress as much as you can. Don't losen the spring compressor until the spindle is torqued down to the a-arms.
Be very very careful as even worn springs can pack a punch and hurt you badly.
I didn't put my springs back on, i installed the front monospring.
Wish I could offer more guidance, good luck.
Just make sure your grabbing as many rings as possible then compress as much as you can. Don't losen the spring compressor until the spindle is torqued down to the a-arms.
Be very very careful as even worn springs can pack a punch and hurt you badly.
I didn't put my springs back on, i installed the front monospring.
Wish I could offer more guidance, good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
I bought the Eastwood internal spring compressor to do mine with the body off. I put it up through the bottom of the lower control arm and grab coils up as high as I can. The bottom part of the spring compressor won't go through the hole in the lower control arm but it locks in nicely in the control arm hole due to the wedge shape of the lower part of the compressor. I'll try to shoot a pic of it tonight as I am in the process of putting the springs back in.
The other thing I am doing is putting them in backwards compared to what most people seem to do. The factory repair manual states to unbolt the control arm from the cross member to replace the springs rather than unbolt the control arm from the steering knuckle. I feel this puts the spring at a better angle to go in than going the other way. So, right now I have the knuckle connected to the control arm (i.e. ball joint) and the other end of the control arm loosely bolted to the cross member. I will then unbolt it from the cross member and put the spring in and bolt it back up.
Hope that helps some.
The other thing I am doing is putting them in backwards compared to what most people seem to do. The factory repair manual states to unbolt the control arm from the cross member to replace the springs rather than unbolt the control arm from the steering knuckle. I feel this puts the spring at a better angle to go in than going the other way. So, right now I have the knuckle connected to the control arm (i.e. ball joint) and the other end of the control arm loosely bolted to the cross member. I will then unbolt it from the cross member and put the spring in and bolt it back up.
Hope that helps some.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Heres how I did it.
1 Pass a threaded rod big enough thru the shock hole on top of the shock tower in place of the shock.
2 from underneat put a plate about 6by 6 in and a bolt.
3 on top put a washer and a bolt and compress the spring until its in his final position and install the upper ball joint.
Decompress the spring by removing the bolts ond the threaded bar
Its safe because the spring cant go anywhere.
1 Pass a threaded rod big enough thru the shock hole on top of the shock tower in place of the shock.
2 from underneat put a plate about 6by 6 in and a bolt.
3 on top put a washer and a bolt and compress the spring until its in his final position and install the upper ball joint.
Decompress the spring by removing the bolts ond the threaded bar
Its safe because the spring cant go anywhere.
Last edited by Michelp; Jan 2, 2007 at 01:32 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 20
From: Kingston Ontario
Band the springs
I had to band the springs at a shop, they charged $50 CND, the spring compressor didn't work so I had to do this. I also have no weight up front so it was a PIA, spring compressor didn't work with BB springs . Much safer too.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Front Spring Compression
Just wanted to thank those who reponded to my question. I like the idea of putting the spring compressor throught the bottom shock tower hole. Also, the 6" plate and bolt looks like it's safe and will work. This is my first attempt at a project of this size and I have to tell you this forum is a real asset. Every time I get stuck I come here and get what I need. Thanks again to all.
71 corvette Brandy-Hatch Green T-tops Turbo 400 auto soon to have a 383 stroker. Gotta get all this other stuff done while I have the engine out.
Next is the steering components.
71 corvette Brandy-Hatch Green T-tops Turbo 400 auto soon to have a 383 stroker. Gotta get all this other stuff done while I have the engine out.
Next is the steering components.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
