chaining the coil spring for removal
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
chaining the coil spring for removal
If I use the Lars method, floor jack under lower control arm, engine still in car, I'd like to put a chain on the spring for a little security.
Whats a better tie down point for the chain, to the upper or lower control arm?
I plan to cut 1/2 coil and reinstall original.
I'll take any tips on this one. Im pretty technically confident, but coil springs can be spooky. Also ordered the Van Steel vid
Brent.
Whats a better tie down point for the chain, to the upper or lower control arm?
I plan to cut 1/2 coil and reinstall original.
I'll take any tips on this one. Im pretty technically confident, but coil springs can be spooky. Also ordered the Van Steel vid
Brent.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
I just pulled one side of my front suspension apart. I just got the ball joint disconnected from the UCA with the jack under the LCA and eased it down slowly with no drama at all.
While I've done a few like this before without, a chain would probably be a good idea.
Could you loop it around the frame?
While I've done a few like this before without, a chain would probably be a good idea.
Could you loop it around the frame?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Are these original or aftermarket springs. I have never had to use anything with the aftermarket springs. The yare much shorter tha nthe originals and don't need to be chained or secured. They will fall out when you have the control arm about half way down. It they are original your best bet is to put them in the garbage and start with a good set of springs.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Yep, 460s and 550s are shorter, uncompressed.
This will be an OEM FE7 spring for an 82, which I believe is the same spring as a non FE7 for 82.
So the OEM springs will allow you to fully disengage with the control arms still bolted to the frame and just the upper ball joint loose?
This will be an OEM FE7 spring for an 82, which I believe is the same spring as a non FE7 for 82.
So the OEM springs will allow you to fully disengage with the control arms still bolted to the frame and just the upper ball joint loose?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
Yep, 460s and 550s are shorter, uncompressed.
This will be an OEM FE7 spring for an 82, which I believe is the same spring as a non FE7 for 82.
So the OEM springs will allow you to fully disengage with the control arms still bolted to the frame and just the upper ball joint loose?
This will be an OEM FE7 spring for an 82, which I believe is the same spring as a non FE7 for 82.
So the OEM springs will allow you to fully disengage with the control arms still bolted to the frame and just the upper ball joint loose?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Midland TX
I run some all-thread through the upper shock mount, down through the spring and then out the LCA. I have a piece of round plate that is larger than the hole in the LCA. I put nuts on top and bottom of all-thread (most of the thread sticking out the top). After loosening the ball joint(s), I lower the LCA by turning the upper nut.
I installed my new springs by tightening the upper nut and pulling the LCA up into place.
I didn't have the engine in my car at the time so the jack-under-the-LCA method would not work for me. It just lifted the car.
Since you have the engine weight you could use the all-thread as a safety precaution.
I installed my new springs by tightening the upper nut and pulling the LCA up into place.
I didn't have the engine in my car at the time so the jack-under-the-LCA method would not work for me. It just lifted the car.
Since you have the engine weight you could use the all-thread as a safety precaution.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Liberty Missouri
I run some all-thread through the upper shock mount, down through the spring and then out the LCA. I have a piece of round plate that is larger than the hole in the LCA. I put nuts on top and bottom of all-thread (most of the thread sticking out the top). After loosening the ball joint(s), I lower the LCA by turning the upper nut.
I installed my new springs by tightening the upper nut and pulling the LCA up into place.
I didn't have the engine in my car at the time so the jack-under-the-LCA method would not work for me. It just lifted the car.
Since you have the engine weight you could use the all-thread as a safety precaution.
I installed my new springs by tightening the upper nut and pulling the LCA up into place.
I didn't have the engine in my car at the time so the jack-under-the-LCA method would not work for me. It just lifted the car.
Since you have the engine weight you could use the all-thread as a safety precaution.
Where were you about a week ago
I just replaced my lower a arm bushings with the motor out. What a PIA… I put my whole family and a friend in the engine compartment to get enough weight to collapse the spring. I will remember the all thread trick if I ever need to do it again.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
Where were you about a week ago I just replaced my lower a arm bushings with the motor out. What a PIA… I put my whole family and a friend in the engine compartment to get enough weight to collapse the spring. I will remember the all thread trick if I ever need to do it again.
I just replaced my lower a arm bushings with the motor out. What a PIA… I put my whole family and a friend in the engine compartment to get enough weight to collapse the spring. I will remember the all thread trick if I ever need to do it again.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
All this spring compressor talk has convinced me to buy some shorter/heavier rate replacements.
That and the fact that the steel on the stockers looked about like that of the grate on that old BBQ grill that you've been meaning to throw out for the past four years.
That and the fact that the steel on the stockers looked about like that of the grate on that old BBQ grill that you've been meaning to throw out for the past four years.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 3
From: Nixa Missouri
I'm glad I read this post.
What size allthread was used. Thats a great idea.
I'm getting ready to change all the bushings on the A arms and ball joints on my 1970 with stock 350, and want to keep it close to original with the springs, however I've been reading about the aftermarket replacement springs that are not as tall and dont have to use a spring compressor, but will keep the right ride height.
What I'm thinking is the springs on the car are original and to me being 38 years old have lost there strenght and (WIIT) while I'm in there changing out everything, & now is the time to do it.
Any suggestions on replacement and or good stock spring for this car?
Thanks for any info in advance.
What size allthread was used. Thats a great idea.
I'm getting ready to change all the bushings on the A arms and ball joints on my 1970 with stock 350, and want to keep it close to original with the springs, however I've been reading about the aftermarket replacement springs that are not as tall and dont have to use a spring compressor, but will keep the right ride height.
What I'm thinking is the springs on the car are original and to me being 38 years old have lost there strenght and (WIIT) while I'm in there changing out everything, & now is the time to do it.
Any suggestions on replacement and or good stock spring for this car?
Thanks for any info in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
I use 5/8 theraded rod. If you want get fancy after you take the shock out use the threaded holes to hold a plate you make with a hole in the center for the threaded rod. On the top side all you need is two or three washers.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Liberty Missouri
I'm glad I read this post.
What size allthread was used. Thats a great idea.
I'm getting ready to change all the bushings on the A arms and ball joints on my 1970 with stock 350, and want to keep it close to original with the springs, however I've been reading about the aftermarket replacement springs that are not as tall and dont have to use a spring compressor, but will keep the right ride height.
What I'm thinking is the springs on the car are original and to me being 38 years old have lost there strenght and (WIIT) while I'm in there changing out everything, & now is the time to do it.
Any suggestions on replacement and or good stock spring for this car?
Thanks for any info in advance.
What size allthread was used. Thats a great idea.
I'm getting ready to change all the bushings on the A arms and ball joints on my 1970 with stock 350, and want to keep it close to original with the springs, however I've been reading about the aftermarket replacement springs that are not as tall and dont have to use a spring compressor, but will keep the right ride height.
What I'm thinking is the springs on the car are original and to me being 38 years old have lost there strenght and (WIIT) while I'm in there changing out everything, & now is the time to do it.
Any suggestions on replacement and or good stock spring for this car?
Thanks for any info in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
I'm glad I read this post.
What size allthread was used. Thats a great idea.
I'm getting ready to change all the bushings on the A arms and ball joints on my 1970 with stock 350, and want to keep it close to original with the springs, however I've been reading about the aftermarket replacement springs that are not as tall and dont have to use a spring compressor, but will keep the right ride height.
What I'm thinking is the springs on the car are original and to me being 38 years old have lost there strenght and (WIIT) while I'm in there changing out everything, & now is the time to do it.
Any suggestions on replacement and or good stock spring for this car?
Thanks for any info in advance.
What size allthread was used. Thats a great idea.
I'm getting ready to change all the bushings on the A arms and ball joints on my 1970 with stock 350, and want to keep it close to original with the springs, however I've been reading about the aftermarket replacement springs that are not as tall and dont have to use a spring compressor, but will keep the right ride height.
What I'm thinking is the springs on the car are original and to me being 38 years old have lost there strenght and (WIIT) while I'm in there changing out everything, & now is the time to do it.
Any suggestions on replacement and or good stock spring for this car?
Thanks for any info in advance.
I'm tracking my fun with the front suspension on my '81 in this thread, and as mentioned before, the stock springs are problematic when it comes to reinstallation due to their uncompressed height. I just ordered a set from Zip's that are supposed to retain stock ride height, but are physically shorter (and easier to install), and have a firmer ride.
If you are going to do bushings and ball joints, you will have to remove the springs anyway, it would be a shame to do all of that work and then have one of them break, or just continue to wear out and further affect your handling.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
I run some all-thread through the upper shock mount, down through the spring and then out the LCA. I have a piece of round plate that is larger than the hole in the LCA. I put nuts on top and bottom of all-thread (most of the thread sticking out the top). After loosening the ball joint(s), I lower the LCA by turning the upper nut.
I installed my new springs by tightening the upper nut and pulling the LCA up into place.
I installed my new springs by tightening the upper nut and pulling the LCA up into place.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 8
From: Hamilton NJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I like the althread suggestion too. When I replaced my bushings, tie-rods and ball joints, getting them out and replacing was the easy part. Getting that stock spring to compress was a PIA. I was using spring compressors and had to keep taking off / putting on to get them to line up just right when putting back together. That was a lot of effort and trial and error. Now I'm thinking of cutting coils to lower frontend, but dreaded doing the process again. The althread sounds much easier and can get right the first time. Thanks for the suggestion 
Oh, BTW, I did wrap a chain around the LCA for safety!!!
Oh, BTW, I did wrap a chain around the LCA for safety!!!