[HELP] removing front coil spring!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
BIG hammer - BIG swingMake certain that the ball joint nut is loosened but not completely removed. You want the nut to keep the unit from completely separating under tension.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 2
From: San Angelo TX
it's loosened about 1/4" from the knuckle but still won't budge. It's hard to get enough swing inside the wheel well. This would be so much easier with the body off.....hmmm lol (no way, can't do it right now)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 2
From: San Angelo TX
HA! I GOT IT! beat that little bugger 'til it finally came loose.
So now that the coil spring is out, any tricks to getting it lined up properly? I see the upper pocket and where it should go but it doesn't want to line up both the lower and upper at the same time. Do I need to go rent a spring compressor to get it back in?
So now that the coil spring is out, any tricks to getting it lined up properly? I see the upper pocket and where it should go but it doesn't want to line up both the lower and upper at the same time. Do I need to go rent a spring compressor to get it back in?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
OK. Now is the time for more information and pictures.
Did you manage to save the ball joint or is it
?
Are you replacing the coil spring with the same size coil spring?
A spring compressor made from all-thread and a couple of steel plates, is an easily made install tool. Use the all-thread in the shock position to compress the spring and connect ball joint using the jack. Ensure proper coil position in the pockets.
Did you manage to save the ball joint or is it
?Are you replacing the coil spring with the same size coil spring?
A spring compressor made from all-thread and a couple of steel plates, is an easily made install tool. Use the all-thread in the shock position to compress the spring and connect ball joint using the jack. Ensure proper coil position in the pockets.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
1)Mark the coil with a Sharpie pen-marker halfway down the coil, even with the upper end coil stop.
2)Mark your frame where the upper pocket ended/where you want to align the coil to.
3)When you install the coil, eyeball/align these 2 marks and you should be pretty close. It will fit into the upper pocket, then raise up the lower arm to start compressing the spring. Kick the lower end of spring right before it starts to compress, or use a pry bar to force it into position. Fit the steering knuckle onto the upper balljoint by pulling down the upper control arm once you get the spring compressed more. Pt on the nut and your basically done with the spring.
Mine are maybe within 1/4 inch of the previous end marks and Im happy with the results. Eyeball it with a shop light for confirmation after you get the upper balljoint nut mostly snugged up.
Did you cut the coil at all?
Show us pics when your done.
2)Mark your frame where the upper pocket ended/where you want to align the coil to.
3)When you install the coil, eyeball/align these 2 marks and you should be pretty close. It will fit into the upper pocket, then raise up the lower arm to start compressing the spring. Kick the lower end of spring right before it starts to compress, or use a pry bar to force it into position. Fit the steering knuckle onto the upper balljoint by pulling down the upper control arm once you get the spring compressed more. Pt on the nut and your basically done with the spring.
Mine are maybe within 1/4 inch of the previous end marks and Im happy with the results. Eyeball it with a shop light for confirmation after you get the upper balljoint nut mostly snugged up.
Did you cut the coil at all?
Show us pics when your done.
Last edited by MN-Brent; Feb 10, 2009 at 08:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 2
From: San Angelo TX
OK. Now is the time for more information and pictures.
Did you manage to save the ball joint or is it ?
Are you replacing the coil spring with the same size coil spring?
A spring compressor made from all-thread and a couple of steel plates, is an easily made install tool. Use the all-thread in the shock position to compress the spring and connect ball joint using the jack. Ensure proper coil position in the pockets.
Did you manage to save the ball joint or is it
?Are you replacing the coil spring with the same size coil spring?
A spring compressor made from all-thread and a couple of steel plates, is an easily made install tool. Use the all-thread in the shock position to compress the spring and connect ball joint using the jack. Ensure proper coil position in the pockets.
I'll get some pictures tonight but the ball joint is still good. I managed to avoid damaging the ball joint boot. The spring will be the same size as before (7 coil from VBP). I think I'm going to go rent the spring compressor again and see if that helps get it in there since I dont have the supplies to fabricate one.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 2
From: San Angelo TX
I'm kind of embarrased what it looks like under there since I dont have a sandblaster to clean the control arms up and repaint them. I'll have to save it for another day when I have more time and money. The car just rides so terrible right now I needed to get the shocks/springs replaced before any other projects.
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