Front Coilovers installation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Milan
Front Coilovers installation
Hi guys
I'm installing QA1 coilovers with new speed direct lower c-arms
After lower arms to frame installation, I’ve fixed QA1 shocks to the arms, but now I’m in troubles to correctly install springs and fixing shocks to the frame!
I know that this job is difficult also for stock springs/shocks but with QA1 coilovers it’s a real PITA because it’s not possibile to install the spring without removing the shock so there isn’t enough room to use a spring compressor!
When I try to lift the lower arms + shock/spring, I’m not able to set correctly the spring into the frame pocket and shock rod into the frame fixing hole...spring/shock are too much outward it seems that I’ve to bend the spring inward but many force is required to do that and I don’t have got any special tool to do that!
Is there any trick to do that? How can I safety install front suspension ?
Thanks for your help!
I'm installing QA1 coilovers with new speed direct lower c-arms
After lower arms to frame installation, I’ve fixed QA1 shocks to the arms, but now I’m in troubles to correctly install springs and fixing shocks to the frame!
I know that this job is difficult also for stock springs/shocks but with QA1 coilovers it’s a real PITA because it’s not possibile to install the spring without removing the shock so there isn’t enough room to use a spring compressor!
When I try to lift the lower arms + shock/spring, I’m not able to set correctly the spring into the frame pocket and shock rod into the frame fixing hole...spring/shock are too much outward it seems that I’ve to bend the spring inward but many force is required to do that and I don’t have got any special tool to do that!
Is there any trick to do that? How can I safety install front suspension ?
Thanks for your help!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 12
From: Kalispell MT
Wow, those lower A-Arms are beautiful!
When I did my QA1s with tube A-Arms it was pretty simple to use a hydraulic floor jack on the arm to lift it into place properly so I'm not sure where you are running into issues. Your springs look to be a larger diameter than what I have with the kit from VanSteel and their QA1 package.
When I did my QA1s with tube A-Arms it was pretty simple to use a hydraulic floor jack on the arm to lift it into place properly so I'm not sure where you are running into issues. Your springs look to be a larger diameter than what I have with the kit from VanSteel and their QA1 package.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 37
From: Catoosa Okla
I've been in a similar situation. I ended up having the springs banded (compressed and secured with a metal bands at a brake and spring company). This allowed me to get the coil overs in place, and connect the spindle before cutting the band releasing the spring. I only needed about 1.5 inches to get it together. Those springs look a little wider than I remember mine being. I'd call the company before getting too drastic. BTW, I absolutely LOVE those lower A-arms!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Milan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Milan
I've been in a similar situation. I ended up having the springs banded (compressed and secured with a metal bands at a brake and spring company). This allowed me to get the coil overs in place, and connect the spindle before cutting the band releasing the spring. I only needed about 1.5 inches to get it together. Those springs look a little wider than I remember mine being. I'd call the company before getting too drastic. BTW, I absolutely LOVE those lower A-arms!
Have you got a picture of these bands?
I've sent an email to Eric @ Speed Direct but I haven't received a reply yet!
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,588
From: los altos hills california
Hard to tell exactly from your pictures where the lower part of the coil over goes. I assume something sits on top of the lower A-arm, otherwise it is just the two shock mounting bolts that are holding up the car, isn't it?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,332
Likes: 63
From: PARADISE
St. Jude Donor '09-'11-'12-'13-'14
I use a clamping arrangement made of 2 pieces of aluminum bar stock and 2 pieces of threaded rod. They sit behind the upper and lower ball joints on the inside and you can pull the a-arms together easily with them. I wrap them with towels to keep them from marking up the arms and that also keeps them from slipping. I've used them a lot and they work just dandy, even if they do appear a little Rube Goldberg. I tried the jack method and all it did was lift the car without compressing the spring enough.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,599
Likes: 7,046
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
This rookie wants to know how you moved the top of the shock inward?
(I had to use a 24"prybar on the tops of my stock coil springs
)
Annnnnnnnnnnd......I'm jealous of that chassis!
(I had to use a 24"prybar on the tops of my stock coil springs
)Annnnnnnnnnnd......I'm jealous of that chassis!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Milan
I never thought it would worked!
But was simple, an hydraulic lift and "doctor" hammer works great together!
