Well... the temps in Tx are dropping with blue skys becoming less frequent. I pulled my 80 in to the garage, have her on the lift and am eyeing the front end rebuild kit I purchased from VanSteel (Including new springs). Have watched the Van Steel video several times and it seems straight forward. Yet, I remain very weary about the spring removal.

Would appreciate any and all suggestions before I remove the first pin this weekend...

Thanks In advance!

 

Hey there,

I've rebuilt my front end twice. Lowering the springs isn't as scary as it first looks.
The very first thing to do is run a hefty chain through the spring and around the control arm. That way if things go bad and get away from you, the spring can't go far.
Once the chain is in place, put a floor jack under the lower control arm below the spring. Jack it up a bit so that the jack is supporting the suspension (just a little).
Loosen the nut and break loose the upper ball joint. Be sure to leave that nut on the threads so that everything stays together when the ball joint cames apart.
When you are ready and your arms and legs are out from under the control arm. Remove that loosened upper ball joint nut.
Slowly start to lower the jack. The steering knuckle will be free to flop around when it pulls loose from the ball joint, so be ready to steady it. If you have the standard springs, they are pretty long. You will have to lower the control arm quite a bit before the spring will be close to falling out. Just go slow with the jack.
Things will get to a point where the spring will either fall out or will pop loose from the lower control arm pocket.
Then you're done. Go ahead and remove the control arms and make them like new again.
Reassembly is pretty much the reverse. Just make sure that you get the spring seated correctly in the frame pocket and lower control arm pocket. It is possible to get it wrong and end up with goofy ride heights and stuff.

I hope all this helps. Feel free to write if you have more questions.

All the best,
SharkPilot

 

i hope the picture shows. In addition to the chain you should use a spring compressor, this makes the job safe and easy... the one on the picture is a 'Home Depot' compressor - very inexpensive and it works better than most of the stuff out there. this one can be inserted through the shock hole in the frame. I am currently building mine...the idea is from another forum member...

 

Can you give us some info. on that. All thread rod diameter and length, large (bridge) washer diameter. Etc.

Thanks!

~Kevin

 

I built something almost identical to this...i can pop springs in and out with no problem

 

I use the SharkPilot jack method but don't find it necessary to use the chains. The springs aren't going anywhere if you take your time and move carefully. If you are nervous about it, work the jack from the front, not the side.

 

I don't have any dimensions here (I'm not at home).... just get the dimensions off the car - hole diameter is about 1/2" - and cut the threaded rod to the length you need... I let mine stick out at the top (15") so I have enough threads to let the spring expand. The washers and nuts are all 'el cheapo' items from our local HomeDepot.

 

I'm doing mine for the first time as well, the video really helped me alot, the springs came out no problem, I did wrap a chain just in case but they just kinda droped out, (stand in front of the car as you lower the jack to be safer).

 

If either one of you guys with the video wants to get rid of it when you're done let me know. I'll be tackling the front whenever I get done with the rear. Thanks!

 

Didn't get the picture... could you please repost...

ed

 

Will do... am going to keep it until I finish the rear also... will probably be around Feb.

 

 

I left the ball joints fastened and removed the back bolts of the lower control arm . I slowly lowered the jack until the spring was loose.

 

Sharkpilot laid it out pretty good, I'm also a cherry doing my first rebuild the part that worries me is the control arm bushing. so far so good

 

I agree... have decided to take the arms to a local shop to have the old removed and new installed. Will put the car up on Saturday and start disassembly.