C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Front transverse spring removal

Old Sep 23, 2004 | 01:35 AM
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Default Front transverse spring removal

Do any of you guys know a method to remove the front transverse spring without using spring compressing tool J-33432? Is tool J-33436-9 really a must have for removing lower ball joints? If these tools are a must have, is the locale Chevy Dealer the only source for these tools? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. 84 CF 91 ZR1

Last edited by vettl83; Sep 23, 2004 at 01:53 AM.
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 02:18 AM
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You dont need a spring compressing tool. Just jack the car up really high in the front, remove abs sensors from front spindles, unbolt the sway bar, and shock from the bottom a-arm, and unbolt the spring bracket from underneath the front crossmember....Then put a jack under one side of the spring and unbolt the opposite lower a-arm......Let jack down, pull out spring from the side you removed the a-arm from
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 04:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Wheelman
You dont need a spring compressing tool. Just jack the car up really high in the front, remove abs sensors from front spindles, unbolt the sway bar, and shock from the bottom a-arm, and unbolt the spring bracket from underneath the front crossmember....Then put a jack under one side of the spring and unbolt the opposite lower a-arm......Let jack down, pull out spring from the side you removed the a-arm from
Yep, it's that simple. The tool they list in the helms manual is something they would have had in the dealerships back in the day. A floor jack will work just fine. There really isn't a whole lot of spring travel to deal with.

The only thing I might add is pick up a ball joint fork (free to rent at Auto Zone), place it between the ball joint and control arm, and give it a whack with a hammer and it will separate easily.
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 11:57 AM
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The tools are Kent Moore I believe.
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Frizlefrak
The only thing I might add is pick up a ball joint fork (free to rent at Auto Zone), place it between the ball joint and control arm, and give it a whack with a hammer and it will separate easily.
I wouldn't recommend a fork. Use a puller and press it out.
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Old Sep 24, 2004 | 11:02 AM
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Thanks guys, I printed the posts so I don't have to look em up next spring when I install the lowering kit. This is my autox car and with 79k on the clock, I will replace the upper and lower ball joints along with all the front end bushings too. Vette Brakes and Products is going to love me. Again thanks, 84 CF the autox'er 91 ZR1 the retired autox'er.

Last edited by vettl83; Sep 24, 2004 at 12:14 PM.
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