Front Suspension -- winter project HELP
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 233
Likes: 18
From: Monrovia Md
Front Suspension -- winter project HELP
Hello All -- For my winter project I decided to rebuild the entire front end of my 1981. Disassembled the whole front end, Upper and lower control arm. Had the control arms and the springs powder coated, all new bushings and ball joints.
Simple question about the spring -- should the closer coils go on top or on the bottom.
I am beginning to reassemble, but having problems with getting the spring in place. I am trying to use the type of spring compressors that go on the outside of the spring (like the ones shown below). But they just seem to get in the way.
when I get the top in the proper place I cant get the bottom in, and vice versa. Any helpful hints how I should approach this?
Simple question about the spring -- should the closer coils go on top or on the bottom.
I am beginning to reassemble, but having problems with getting the spring in place. I am trying to use the type of spring compressors that go on the outside of the spring (like the ones shown below). But they just seem to get in the way.
when I get the top in the proper place I cant get the bottom in, and vice versa. Any helpful hints how I should approach this?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi w,
The closer wound coils are the top of the spring and should be inserted into the pocket in the frame.
Most people feel using a spring compressor that fits inside the spring works the best.
Often a long threaded rod and the bottom of an internal compressor proves to be successful.
Regards,
Alan
The closer wound coils are the top of the spring and should be inserted into the pocket in the frame.
Most people feel using a spring compressor that fits inside the spring works the best.
Often a long threaded rod and the bottom of an internal compressor proves to be successful.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Dec 21, 2017 at 02:54 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 298
From: Midlothian VA
Hi w,
The closer wound coils are the top of the spring and should be inserted into the pocket in the frame.
Most people feel using a spring compressor that fits inside the spring works the best.
Often a long threaded rod and the bottom of an internal compressor proves to be successful.
Regards,
Alan
The closer wound coils are the top of the spring and should be inserted into the pocket in the frame.
Most people feel using a spring compressor that fits inside the spring works the best.
Often a long threaded rod and the bottom of an internal compressor proves to be successful.
Regards,
Alan
Standard internal compressor works best.I only use one hook though.
See this linked thread
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
Hello All --
I am beginning to reassemble, but having problems with getting the spring in place. I am trying to use the type of spring compressors that go on the outside of the spring (like the ones shown below). But they just seem to get in the way.
when I get the top in the proper place I cant get the bottom in, and vice versa. Any helpful hints how I should approach this?
I am beginning to reassemble, but having problems with getting the spring in place. I am trying to use the type of spring compressors that go on the outside of the spring (like the ones shown below). But they just seem to get in the way.
when I get the top in the proper place I cant get the bottom in, and vice versa. Any helpful hints how I should approach this?
Alan's suggestion to use the internal spring compressor is right on. I did the complete suspension rebuild your describe and had two types of external spring compressors in my tool box. Neither worked- they just got in the way. I bought an internal compressor and used the bottom clamp and a long threaded rod with big washers and then you could move the spring around to properly seat it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 233
Likes: 18
From: Monrovia Md
thanks for the advice. I will go get an inside compressor, threaded rod and washers and try again. I will let you know how it comes out. Oh yeah, and turn the spring over the right way!
Last edited by wajulia; Dec 22, 2017 at 11:10 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi W,
ALSO, be careful that you seat the spring properly in the pocket in the frame.
Regards,
Alan
When installed properly the cut end of the spring should be visible through the small observation hole.
ALSO, be careful that you seat the spring properly in the pocket in the frame.
Regards,
Alan
When installed properly the cut end of the spring should be visible through the small observation hole.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 233
Likes: 18
From: Monrovia Md
I went to Auto Zone and got a tool loan spring compressor. The rod did not go very far through the shock tower. I looked all over town and nobody had the threaded rod with the fine thread I needed. I did find it it on the internet.
But before I ordered the rod, I gave it a try -- fell right into place! Result!
THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP -- HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
But before I ordered the rod, I gave it a try -- fell right into place! Result!
THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP -- HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
Last edited by wajulia; Dec 23, 2017 at 07:30 PM.
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