C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Front Spring Install

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Old Jul 11, 2023 | 09:38 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by C3FIXER
I'm still sweating my *** off trying to get the 550 Moog spring in to the LCA Pocket. I took off the Upper control Arm so I could insert the screwdriver which helped locate the top inspection hole. I got everthing lined up with the Spring Compressor in place and double checked the top end of the spring. I brought my jack up and put in place to apply just enough pressure to keep things aligned. I tightened the compressor rod several times keeping some pressure on the LCA with the jack. As I tightened the compressor rod I would keep Jacking up the LCA untill I could see 3/4 of the spring going into the lower pocket. My problem from there was tightening the rod to the point that I thought I was going to strip the threads. I did rig up a strap and ratchet but that did nothing...not enough levearge. I took a large dead blow hammer thinking I could pound the last bit of spring into the lower pocket but all I managed to do was knock the hooks loose. and then start all over again. 3 Strikes and your out.. All I accomplished was getting hot and sweaty and super PISSED.
THIS is why my 550s are sitting in a box and I decided to go with semi coil overs instead. I whatched a lot of you tube videos on this subject. not sure if you tried that yet but I found seeing it done helps.
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Old Jul 11, 2023 | 10:55 AM
  #22  
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Are the 550 pound springs that much different than the 480 pound springs ? I did the 480's on mine and they were so much shorter than the originals we popped them in with a prybar with a floor jack under the control arm on my 1980 after marking the spring and frame to go right into the pocket correctly by glancing at the marks during assembly
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Old Jul 11, 2023 | 01:05 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by Eric P
Are the 550 pound springs that much different than the 480 pound springs ? I did the 480's on mine and they were so much shorter than the originals we popped them in with a prybar with a floor jack under the control arm on my 1980 after marking the spring and frame to go right into the pocket correctly by glancing at the marks during assembly
I’ve installed all five versions of the factory springs and the F-41s (550 lbs/in) were by far the easiest to install… Pretty much just as you described, maybe even easier. I don’t think that I had to do anything more than just nudge the spring into the lower controI arm pocket and everything just went together. I was wondering if maybe the aftermarket Moog springs that the OP was using were different in some way.

Regards,

Stan Falenski
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Old Jul 12, 2023 | 04:51 PM
  #24  
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Default Front Spring install

Originally Posted by sunflower 1972
Here's one with the LCA still bolted to the frame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnvHREKVGrw
Good luck.
I finally wised up and realized that the Auto Zone Spring compressor threaded rod was way to short to pull the spring in and so I will be buying a piece 5/8 B7 all thread 20 " long and some hardened washers and nuts.

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Old Jul 12, 2023 | 04:57 PM
  #25  
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Thanks,
I finally realized that the Auto Zone Spring Compressor didn't have enoiugh rod length. On the the store for B7 Althread washers and nuts.
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Old Jul 13, 2023 | 11:33 PM
  #26  
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With the engine out there is not enough weight in the front to use a floor jack.
The all-thread method in post #18 video works very well on a bare frame or with an empty engine compartment.
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