C4, Kent-Moore Spring Tool Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 12
From: New York
C4, Kent-Moore Spring Tool Question
Does anyone know where I can get the tool shown in the FSM for removal of the front, and rear springs on a C4. It is a Kent-Moore tool, and obviously the local Chevy Dealships aren't going to loan theirs out. I talked to a local Snap-On dealer who said he could get me one, but, after three phone calls which he never returned, thats a dead end. I did a search for Kent-Moore on the internet, and found out it is part of the SPX Coproration, but I'm not sure if they will sell to an independent individual as their offices are closed right now. I thought I would give you guys a shout to see if anyone has been down this road before.....Thanks!!
Last edited by LS6 Motor; Jul 13, 2006 at 09:42 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 12
From: New York
It is the same tool for the front, and the rear. I know the trick with a floor jack to do the back spring, but, I don't feel good about it with the fiberglass spring. The tool I'm looking for is apparently only a couple hundred dollars, which is better than nicking a three hundred dollar spring. As far as the front, there is no way I would try that because the spring sits in the bottom control arm which I want to remove on both sides to do all the bushings, and ball joints.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I've probably done this about a half dozen times by now with the floor jack. Use jack to unload spring, remove everything attached to it, then lower it. Put the jack under the lower control arm, use a rubber pad to protect the aluminum, and put it just inboard of the ball joint. Also keep the jack lined up with the spring, otherwise you'll side load it and it'll shoot out and break your ankle.
I've never heard of anyone using the tool, and I doubt any GM dealer this side of the mississippi will have it either.
It's just not needed. The factory service manual is chock full of special service tools that simply aren't necessary.
My 4 speed required about 15 special GM tools to rebuild it. I used zero of them. You could have been finished by now.
I've never heard of anyone using the tool, and I doubt any GM dealer this side of the mississippi will have it either.
It's just not needed. The factory service manual is chock full of special service tools that simply aren't necessary.
My 4 speed required about 15 special GM tools to rebuild it. I used zero of them. You could have been finished by now.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Jul 13, 2006 at 11:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 12
From: New York
Exactly, which is why I will find this spring tool! Oh yes, ALL the Chevy dealers have them, or at least the ones here in Rochester do, (Bob Johnson, and O'Connor Chevrolet). Would you really want someone doing warranty work on your new $55,000 C6 using a floor jack, I know I wouldn't?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 806
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From: Langley B.C.
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
I've probably done this about a half dozen times by now with the floor jack. Use jack to unload spring, remove everything attached to it, then lower it. Put the jack under the lower control arm, use a rubber pad to protect the aluminum, and put it just inboard of the ball joint. Also keep the jack lined up with the spring, otherwise you'll side load it and it'll shoot out and break your ankle.
I've never heard of anyone using the tool, and I doubt any GM dealer this side of the mississippi will have it either.
It's just not needed. The factory service manual is chock full of special service tools that simply aren't necessary.
My 4 speed required about 15 special GM tools to rebuild it. I used zero of them. You could have been finished by now.
I've never heard of anyone using the tool, and I doubt any GM dealer this side of the mississippi will have it either.
It's just not needed. The factory service manual is chock full of special service tools that simply aren't necessary.
My 4 speed required about 15 special GM tools to rebuild it. I used zero of them. You could have been finished by now.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by KODAVETTE
Exactly, which is why I will find this spring tool! Oh yes, ALL the Chevy dealers have them, or at least the ones here in Rochester do, (Bob Johnson, and O'Connor Chevrolet). Would you really want someone doing warranty work on your new $55,000 C6 using a floor jack, I know I wouldn't?
If the floor is safe for the jack, it's safe for the spring.
Follow CC's advise and save the $$$.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
Originally Posted by KODAVETTE
Does anyone know where I can get the tool shown in the FSM for removal of the front, and rear springs on a C4. It is a Kent-Moore tool, and obviously the local Chevy Dealships aren't going to loan theirs out. I talked to a local Snap-On dealer who said he could get me one, but, after three phone calls which he never returned, thats a dead end. I did a search for Kent-Moore on the internet, and found out it is part of the SPX Coproration, but I'm not sure if they will sell to an independent individual as their offices are closed right now. I thought I would give you guys a shout to see if anyone has been down this road before.....Thanks!!
they sell Kent Moore, OTC is the parent company and they sell to everyone for list price.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
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From: VA
Originally Posted by KODAVETTE
I did a search for Kent-Moore on the internet, and found out it is part of the SPX Coproration, but I'm not sure if they will sell to an independent individual as their offices are closed right now.
Special service tools are easy to purchase and are available to the general public by simply contacting SPX KENT-MOORE by phone, fax or mail.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,283
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From: New York
Bogus, not to be sarcastic, but, I have seen one of these jump off a floor jack. Picking up a car on a particular lift point is one thing, using a floor jack against a spring on an awkward angle that is preloaded is another. I guess to each his own, I just don't elect to do it that way, which is why I asked the question regarding this tool. Thanks, JD + VIS for the information!!
Last edited by LS6 Motor; Jul 14, 2006 at 03:05 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by KODAVETTE
Bogus, not to be sarcastic, but, I have seen one of these jump off a floor jack. Picking up a car on a particular lift point is one thing, using a floor jack against a spring on an awkward angle that is preloaded is another. I guess to each his own, I just don't elect to do it that way, which is why I asked the question regarding this tool. Thanks, JD + VIS for the information!!
good luck with the tool.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 12
From: New York
Scratch the tool, over $800 from the two places I called so that isn't happening. I guess I will try the floor jack method. It doesn't worry me so much doing the rear spring, it is front I'm concerned about. At any rate, if you never hear from me again, assume I ate a floor jack or the control arm.......
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
I don't know if this would work without getting under the car but it's an idea at least. I remember doing coil springs and running a chain through the spring in case it tried to jump out and kill me. Couldn't you wrap a chain around the monoleaf and chain it to something so if it lets go it doesn't smack you in the face ?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 12
From: New York
That might not be a bad idea. I spoke to a couple of machinist where I work, and showed them the pictures in the FSM. They didn't think it would be a big deal to make the brackets, and then it is just a jack bolt in between that releases the tension.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by KODAVETTE
Scratch the tool, over $800 from the two places I called so that isn't happening. I guess I will try the floor jack method. It doesn't worry me so much doing the rear spring, it is front I'm concerned about. At any rate, if you never hear from me again, assume I ate a floor jack or the control arm.......
You may need to remove the grease fitting from the lower ball joint then jack from there.
Also you will need to get the front end up pretty high in order to get the spring to full droop.
Once its at full droop, simply push down on the control arms to unslip them from the spring ends.
And make absolutely sure, you disconnect the sway bar, shock, and spindle from the lower control arm before letting it down. Otherwise the spring force will overextend the upper ball joint and damage it.
And keep in mind the shock is ultimately what limits the suspension droop.