Space to remove front springs
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
Space to remove front springs
I understand the front springs are pretty long.
How high will I need the front end off the ground to use the floor jack when removing the front springs?
I will also be using the kent moore tool so I do not have to separate the ball joints per the service manual.
Thanks!
Bill
How high will I need the front end off the ground to use the floor jack when removing the front springs?
I will also be using the kent moore tool so I do not have to separate the ball joints per the service manual.
Thanks!
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Look at the pivot point, in that case the ball joint. High enough to let the arm down straight.
That distance is a lot less doing it by removing the joint because the shaft pivot is higher up.
That distance is a lot less doing it by removing the joint because the shaft pivot is higher up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Never heard of a kent moore tool. I get the tire about 8" off the floor to do anything with the front suspension. If you're not breaking a ball joint (no big deal really) you're unbolting the LCA mounts to get the spring out that way. 6 of one, half dozen of the other.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
if youre talking about disconnecting the lower control arm mounts , get the car as high as a floor jack will lift it , put a jack stand under the frame, put pressure on the lower control arm, and use the floor jack to lower the control arm, with the spring compressed , should drop right out. also a good time to replace lower control arm bushings, you still need to take the tie rods and sway bar loose.
I've done this both ways, bout the same work either way, only advantage to this is youre not beating on a marginal ball joint
I've done this both ways, bout the same work either way, only advantage to this is youre not beating on a marginal ball joint
Last edited by oldalaskaman; May 25, 2013 at 09:15 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
What's the kent moore tool was that something invented by Kent Moore ?
Take the wheel off and you are pretty much at the right height, if not jack it up higher
Take the wheel off and you are pretty much at the right height, if not jack it up higher
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,281
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Bill,
The free height of a front spring is about 15 1/2".
If you compare that number to the compressed height it might give you some idea about how high the car needs to be.
I'd think that difference, plus maybe 6", plus the height of the K/M tool and jack.
Regards,
Alan
The free height of a front spring is about 15 1/2".
If you compare that number to the compressed height it might give you some idea about how high the car needs to be.
I'd think that difference, plus maybe 6", plus the height of the K/M tool and jack.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,281
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
Something else about the K/M tools.
At the end of each Section in the Chassis Service Manual there's a complete list with part numbers, and a photograph, showing the all the K/M tools used in that Section.
I wonder if the 'dealer' was required by GM to have those tools in their shop?
Regards,
Alan
Something else about the K/M tools.
At the end of each Section in the Chassis Service Manual there's a complete list with part numbers, and a photograph, showing the all the K/M tools used in that Section.
I wonder if the 'dealer' was required by GM to have those tools in their shop?
Regards,
Alan
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Hi,
Something else about the K/M tools.
At the end of each Section in the Chassis Service Manual there's a complete list with part numbers, and a photograph, showing the all the K/M tools used in that Section.
I wonder if the 'dealer' was required by GM to have those tools in their shop?
Regards,
Alan
Something else about the K/M tools.
At the end of each Section in the Chassis Service Manual there's a complete list with part numbers, and a photograph, showing the all the K/M tools used in that Section.
I wonder if the 'dealer' was required by GM to have those tools in their shop?
Regards,
Alan
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
Only that the ID of the Corvette springs is rather small. Some of the spring removal tools on the market will not fit. In which case, support the lower control arm with a hydraulic jack, remove the lower control arm bolts, and slowly lower the control arm to remove the spring. Be afraid the whole time; the compressed spring has enough stored energy to hurt you badly. BE CAREFUL.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
Tool
The Kent Moore tool should allow a little more control when lowering the control arm to free the spring.
I am doing this so I can remove the spring to insert the tool to remove the dent.
Thanks for all the input.
Bill
I am doing this so I can remove the spring to insert the tool to remove the dent.
Thanks for all the input.
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT