Spring Compressor Tool
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Spring Compressor Tool
Anyone know where I could get a compressor tool for the fiberglass leaf springs, as shown in the GM shop manual? Does GM sell these? I've used a floor jack to unload the springs so far, and it works, but seems like it'd be better with the tool - more room to work, positive control of the spring, and the ability to unload both sides at once.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: portland or
Re: Spring Compressor Tool (Jeff S)
Jeff -
You are about 2 miles from my house. Email me and we can get together to get you some help. I have done both ends of my car without special tools. No problem.
-Z
You are about 2 miles from my house. Email me and we can get together to get you some help. I have done both ends of my car without special tools. No problem.
-Z
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 11,913
Likes: 0
From: Sin City
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Re: Spring Compressor Tool (Z-PDX)
Z-PDX, if you have some specific tips to share, I would like to hear them. I am going to be doing a lot of rear end work on my 87 here shortly.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Spring Compressor Tool (Jeff S)
this is easy... raise your car, using a jack and jack stands... then, using the jack, unload the spring, loosen the bolts and lower the jack.
easy. :thumbs:
easy. :thumbs:
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Re: Spring Compressor Tool (bogus)
Thanks for the info guys, and thanks for the offer Z-PDX. I'm doing OK so far, but if I could use some help, I'll let you know.
The problem I ran into when lowering the spring after the bolt was detached was that the angle of the spring (due to the bend) got so large that it wanted to push the jack toward the center of the car. I just left it there with some load still on the spring, but would have preferred to have the spring completely unloaded, or controlled by the compressor tool.
The problem I ran into when lowering the spring after the bolt was detached was that the angle of the spring (due to the bend) got so large that it wanted to push the jack toward the center of the car. I just left it there with some load still on the spring, but would have preferred to have the spring completely unloaded, or controlled by the compressor tool.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: portland or
Re: Spring Compressor Tool (Jeff S)
The only things I can add to Jeff's tips are too get the car as high as you possibly can. (I use truck jacks)
And place a block of wood on the jack so you don't have metal in contact with the spring.
It also help to align the jack with the direction of spring travel. This way as you unload the spring, the jack travels in the same direction and you won't lose the load.
-Z
And place a block of wood on the jack so you don't have metal in contact with the spring.
It also help to align the jack with the direction of spring travel. This way as you unload the spring, the jack travels in the same direction and you won't lose the load.
-Z
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Re: Spring Compressor Tool (kohlbear)
Do you know if a 87 z52 has front springs?
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