spring install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: tn
spring install
do you have to use spring compressor to reinstall springs.don't remenber using one but it has been a long time.tried last night spring did not fit in straight.as i brought lower control arm up it tried to set crooked in pocket.tried turning but didn't help thanks
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Mukilteo Washington
This Is on the bench right? You should be able to align them straight on the bench or on the engine with compressed air?
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Buhl Minnesota
I used a floor jack. Just have to be careful.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i use one half of a spring compressor tool. it's the type that has two pivoted arms attached to a core-one core has threads, the other plain. drop a 1/2" theaded rod down the shock hole, set the spring in the upper a arm, set the non-threaded compressor part on the second coil up from the bottom, tighten with a deep well socket from the top and bottom. that will compress the spring enough to position the lower a arm. use a safety chain!
jeff
jeff
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 2
From: walpole ma
The only safe way to do it is with a spring compressor. Depending on the type of spring it can be easier or harder(spring rate,height etc.)The floor jack method can work (I have done it that way many times,)but if you arent familiar with this best be safe.Ever see what happens when a spring slips out of the pocket and flies out? you dont want to.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
I did it by inserting the spring into the pocket and jacking it into place. I remember that this was a lot easier on my '72 C20 truck than it was on my Vette, though. As Road-Race-Vette contends it is probably a lot safer to do it with a compressor but I did discover that eventually the right combination fo screwed-up facial expressions and adjectives would persuade the recalcitrant spring back into proper position. Enjoy!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Canton MI
Sounds to me like there's two different conversations going on here...sounds like valve springs here and coil springs for the rest of the thread. Maybe I'm the only one reading it this way...
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Unlisted
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Unlisted
When I did mine it took a while to get every thing lined up. No engine in at the time not enough weight to jack it in place. I used ratchet straps to help and line up the bolts.
This is what happens when you have a loose tail pipe bracket. You end up on the other end.
This is what happens when you have a loose tail pipe bracket. You end up on the other end.