C3 Rear Spring Installation
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Portland CT
C3 Rear Spring Installation
I'm new to this forum so please bear with me....
I have a 68 convertible that I need to swap out frames. I have an excellent replacment frame. I want to build the suspension (front and rear) and driveline and then do a body removal and drop onto the replacement frame/suspension.
My question: I am looking for how you can compress a rear spring to install it when you don't have the full weight of the car to assist? How can I easily compress the rear spring and install it?
Looking for any write up and tools I will need. With the force of the compressed spring I am not inclined to cut corners here.
Thanks
I have a 68 convertible that I need to swap out frames. I have an excellent replacment frame. I want to build the suspension (front and rear) and driveline and then do a body removal and drop onto the replacement frame/suspension.
My question: I am looking for how you can compress a rear spring to install it when you don't have the full weight of the car to assist? How can I easily compress the rear spring and install it?
Looking for any write up and tools I will need. With the force of the compressed spring I am not inclined to cut corners here.
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
A lot of guys use a C-clamp on the spring, and then use a hydraulic jack next to the C-clamp so the jack does not move up the spring.
Here is a write up in the Tech Tip section under OTHER heading:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=75&TopicID=3
Brent.
Here is a write up in the Tech Tip section under OTHER heading:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=75&TopicID=3
Brent.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi R,
Here are 2 pictures of the rear spring being installed on my 71's frame.
The first shows 6 boxes of Corvette magazines and a bundle of roof shingles putting some weight on the frame.
The second shows the clamp, wooden blocks, and jack that MN described.
You can do it, just be careful.
Regards,
Alan
Here are 2 pictures of the rear spring being installed on my 71's frame.
The first shows 6 boxes of Corvette magazines and a bundle of roof shingles putting some weight on the frame.
The second shows the clamp, wooden blocks, and jack that MN described.
You can do it, just be careful.
Regards,
Alan
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
you can use a come-along and a pulley. Attached C-A to the opposite frame rail. Run cable through pulley attach to other frame rail side and pull up on that spring side then reverse for otherside.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi R,
If you look at my first picture you can see how low the left side of the spring is on my stock/base spring. I'd say it comes up about 8-10 inches before you can catch the stock length bolt and get the nut started. Don't forget the cushion and the large washer under the spring.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
If you look at my first picture you can see how low the left side of the spring is on my stock/base spring. I'd say it comes up about 8-10 inches before you can catch the stock length bolt and get the nut started. Don't forget the cushion and the large washer under the spring.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
From: Canastota Ny
the jack way is the way i installed my new bushings works perfect. make sure if you want to adjust ride height (if composite) that you get the longer bolts. This too will allow less jacking to meet the threads also
