Front spring RE-alignment help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Oakton VA
Front spring RE-alignment help
Hi guys,
I installed re-built A-arms and new front springs awhile ago and I just got around to installing the shocks. First one was a piece of cake; second one is a problem. The spring will not allow the shock to slip into the top hole. The spring is not aligned properly. I can feel that the bottom is about 1/2" from the stop so I'm assuming that top is not seated properly. I can see that the spacing around the spring is unequal.
Here's my question: Can I compress the spring enough with a spring compressor to re-align it without removing the spindle. I'm trying to avoid total disassembly if possible. My first attempt with an internal compressor was unsuccessful. I'd like some advice before I take it all apart.
Thanks,
Dick
I installed re-built A-arms and new front springs awhile ago and I just got around to installing the shocks. First one was a piece of cake; second one is a problem. The spring will not allow the shock to slip into the top hole. The spring is not aligned properly. I can feel that the bottom is about 1/2" from the stop so I'm assuming that top is not seated properly. I can see that the spacing around the spring is unequal.
Here's my question: Can I compress the spring enough with a spring compressor to re-align it without removing the spindle. I'm trying to avoid total disassembly if possible. My first attempt with an internal compressor was unsuccessful. I'd like some advice before I take it all apart.
Thanks,
Dick
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 9
From: Kalamazoo Mi
you should be able to, i made my own spring compressor out of a piece of bent acme threaded rod, and some welded plates. The slight bend in it helps a lot for clearence. Using flat plates (with some welded on bar stock so they dont slip) to compress the spring helps a lot as opposed to the hooks because you can get a lot more travel out of the compressor.
