front suspension springs
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4
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From: pontiac mi
front suspension springs
I can't seem to get my front coil springs reinstalled after a suspension rebuild. I've got the spring compressor installed, but I can't seem to get the spring installed and re-seated right....how should I be doing this??
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,958
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From: Middletown Connecticut
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: front suspension springs (mcfly5)
I'm about to be doing this also, i noticed when i pulled my lower a arm off, there is a rubber cup with the spring sits, its grooved for the spring to sit right in there. good luck :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: front suspension springs (mcfly5)
First, you put a pulley in your garage, then you attach a chain to the pulley and your ankle. Open the hood and hold yourself upside down. Shine a flashlight just below where the upper shock mount is, and you'll see the inspection hole.
Get the end of the spring about halfway in there. It helps to tape the end with masking tape because everything in that hole is pretty dark.
Don't bother with the lower pocket, the upper pocket is VERY critical.
-Steve
Get the end of the spring about halfway in there. It helps to tape the end with masking tape because everything in that hole is pretty dark.
Don't bother with the lower pocket, the upper pocket is VERY critical.
-Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: front suspension springs (Pacin'California)
:iagree:
Just make sure it's in the upper pocket first, then brong the lower control arm up until it touches. Rotate the spring until the end of the spring is where it will butt up against the notch/indentation in the lower control arm. Jack it up until you can attached the upper (or lower) ball joints). Once you have both ball joint nuts on sufficient to hold it, lower the jack and/or undo the spring compressor.
I've never used a compressor with the engine in. Probably not a bad idea though. With the engine out, you almost have to to put some weight on the front.
Just make sure it's in the upper pocket first, then brong the lower control arm up until it touches. Rotate the spring until the end of the spring is where it will butt up against the notch/indentation in the lower control arm. Jack it up until you can attached the upper (or lower) ball joints). Once you have both ball joint nuts on sufficient to hold it, lower the jack and/or undo the spring compressor.
I've never used a compressor with the engine in. Probably not a bad idea though. With the engine out, you almost have to to put some weight on the front.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,936
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: front suspension springs (Pacin'California)
First, you put a pulley in your garage, then you attach a chain to the pulley and your ankle. Open the hood and hold yourself upside down. Shine a flashlight just below where the upper shock mount is, and you'll see the inspection hole.
Get the end of the spring about halfway in there. It helps to tape the end with masking tape because everything in that hole is pretty dark.
Don't bother with the lower pocket, the upper pocket is VERY critical.
-Steve
Get the end of the spring about halfway in there. It helps to tape the end with masking tape because everything in that hole is pretty dark.
Don't bother with the lower pocket, the upper pocket is VERY critical.
-Steve
When you get them seated, don't torque the lower control arm bolts until there's weight on the suspension. :thumbs:
