Front Spring Removal
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 278
Likes: 23
From: Rock Hill, SC [RCG] KANUCK
Front Spring Removal
Am going to change my front spring on my 85, has anyone here done a spring swap before. Am wondering how hard this is going to be. Any info would be helpfull.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
It's a PITA. Not that hard, just a bunch of stuff to disconnect. Also, plan on having to remove the braces behind the control arms that attach to the engine mounts in order to remove the lower control arm on one side. It's much easier to just do that than try to finagle the spring out without doing it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
Not that hard, just a bunch of stuff to disconnect. Also, plan on having to remove the braces behind the control arms that attach to the engine mounts in order to remove the lower control arm on one side. It's much easier to just do that than try to finagle the spring out without doing it.
do NOT use a 'pickle fork' to separate the spindles/lower a-frames/ball joints, a pf will damage the alum spindle and a-frame, rip the rubber boot on the ball joint...use the GM 'press' tool or use a half-inch drive 1'' deep socket + 1/2'' bolt/nut 'DIY press tool'...put pressure on the ball joint stud and WAIT a couple of minutes and the stud will 'pop' out from the spindle (do NOT 'beat it' with a hammer)
must drop both lower a-frames from spindles but only remove one side a-frame from car to get spring out.
no pita, definitely less workout than same time spent at 'health club'...'first' time it's a 6 hr job, one hour job next time(s).
expect new front spring to carry front of car WAY too high till driven abt a hundred miles.
Last edited by redrose; Sep 3, 2009 at 10:47 AM.
