How high is high enough for a front lowering kit install?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 385
From: Leland , North Carolina
How high is high enough for a front lowering kit install?
Will jack stands on the front fully extended get the car (87) up high enough for front spring removal? For now I'm doing the lowering blocks and bolts in rear instead of coil overs.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 18
From: St. Peters MO
Yes, as long as they are the taller / stronger ones like 3 ton or more. That's the easy part, getting stock rate spring in and out is a pain without spring compressor, BUT is doable with patience
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 385
From: Leland , North Carolina
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 18
From: St. Peters MO
I've never used the tool but this is it: https://www.freedomracing.com/leaf-s...33432-a-u.html
I've done many and found other methods work. The tool somehow "flattens" the arch in the spring to enable easy side to side movement of the spring thru the frame / motor cradle. Stiffer springs don't arch as much and are easier yet.
I've done many and found other methods work. The tool somehow "flattens" the arch in the spring to enable easy side to side movement of the spring thru the frame / motor cradle. Stiffer springs don't arch as much and are easier yet.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 385
From: Leland , North Carolina
I've never used the tool but this is it: https://www.freedomracing.com/leaf-s...33432-a-u.html
I've done many and found other methods work. The tool somehow "flattens" the arch in the spring to enable easy side to side movement of the spring thru the frame / motor cradle. Stiffer springs don't arch as much and are easier yet.
I've done many and found other methods work. The tool somehow "flattens" the arch in the spring to enable easy side to side movement of the spring thru the frame / motor cradle. Stiffer springs don't arch as much and are easier yet.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 734
Likes: 424
From: Wisconsin
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Winner - Modified
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I didn't use a spring compressor when I changed the front spring (to a Z51 spring) on my 85 a month ago. I did have to lift the front end quite a way but once I found the right height, it wasn't all that difficult. I did have the lower control arms off to replace them at the time, so they weren't in the way for the spring swap.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
I didn't use a compressor (other than the ones that are built into the car already) to remove the spring on my '89 Kart, either.YOU DON'T NEED A TOOL! The car already has a spring compressor built right in! It's called.....the lower control arm. Jack stand the car like 383vette said, put your floor jack under an arm, break apart the lower ball joint, then loosen the control arm bolt/nuts. Swing the arm down until it goes no farther...repeat on the other side. You MAY want to remove the sway bar end links, but you may not have to, either.
Last edited by Tom400CFI; Nov 10, 2020 at 07:59 PM.
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