Need lowering instructions for front!
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Lepus-temperamentalus
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From: Roswell Ga
Need lowering instructions for front!
Recently, someone posted information on how to lower the front more than just turning the screws w/o having to take all the suspension apart. Could I get a re-post on that? Can't find it using search. Thanks!
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Jack,
Do you mean the cut bushings without taking the lower control arm off?
I read that post (can't find it now. of course!) and it mentioned that you could jack the leaf spring under tention and v-e-r-y carefully slip a hacksaw blade between the lower control arm and the bushing and cut most of it off.
I won't do that - if the jack slips or anything goes wrong, that puppy will be under tension - bye bye fingers!!
I will send you the link to the GM ball joint spreader when I find it (I buy a lot of stuff online and I do not always keep a track of where I bought what where - are you following this???)
In the meantime, do a advanced search for "lower control arm" or "front bushing" and you should find it.
Stephen
Do you mean the cut bushings without taking the lower control arm off?
I read that post (can't find it now. of course!) and it mentioned that you could jack the leaf spring under tention and v-e-r-y carefully slip a hacksaw blade between the lower control arm and the bushing and cut most of it off.
I won't do that - if the jack slips or anything goes wrong, that puppy will be under tension - bye bye fingers!!
I will send you the link to the GM ball joint spreader when I find it (I buy a lot of stuff online and I do not always keep a track of where I bought what where - are you following this???)
In the meantime, do a advanced search for "lower control arm" or "front bushing" and you should find it.
Stephen
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Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Roswell Ga
Originally Posted by EnglandGreen
Jack,
Do you mean the cut bushings without taking the lower control arm off?
I read that post (can't find it now. of course!) and it mentioned that you could jack the leaf spring under tention and v-e-r-y carefully slip a hacksaw blade between the lower control arm and the bushing and cut most of it off.
I won't do that - if the jack slips or anything goes wrong, that puppy will be under tension - bye bye fingers!!
I will send you the link to the GM ball joint spreader when I find it (I buy a lot of stuff online and I do not always keep a track of where I bought what where - are you following this???)
In the meantime, do a advanced search for "lower control arm" or "front bushing" and you should find it.
Stephen
Do you mean the cut bushings without taking the lower control arm off?
I read that post (can't find it now. of course!) and it mentioned that you could jack the leaf spring under tention and v-e-r-y carefully slip a hacksaw blade between the lower control arm and the bushing and cut most of it off.
I won't do that - if the jack slips or anything goes wrong, that puppy will be under tension - bye bye fingers!!
I will send you the link to the GM ball joint spreader when I find it (I buy a lot of stuff online and I do not always keep a track of where I bought what where - are you following this???)
In the meantime, do a advanced search for "lower control arm" or "front bushing" and you should find it.
Stephen
I don't know if I'd do it either. I agree it sounds somewhat risky, but if it could be done with just the hacksaw blade in there instead of my fingers, might be worth a try. Taking the whole thing apart sounds like a real job. Of course, it'll probably be like most "easy" mods; easier to do the right way than the short-cut.
Thanks for the link on the ball-joint spreader. That's the route I'll probably go, I just wanted to check this out first.
Matter of fact, I did find it. It says ---
"Many, like myself, have just jacked up the spring enough to saw the front bushing off with the bolt in place. It requires no dissasembly, but you'll need something like a hydraulic spreader to spead the spring up high enough to access the bushing under the spring. Not the safest method, but if you have the tools and are aware enough to never ever put your hand under the spring when it's jacked up, it saves a lot of time."
Don't know about that one. Have to take a look at it.
Last edited by JACKAL0PE; Nov 29, 2004 at 05:53 AM.
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Lepus-temperamentalus
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From: Roswell Ga
Originally Posted by Glennm27
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Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
"Many, like myself, have just jacked up the spring enough to saw the front bushing off with the bolt in place. It requires no dissasembly, but you'll need something like a hydraulic spreader to spead the spring up high enough to access the bushing under the spring. Not the safest method, but if you have the tools and are aware enough to never ever put your hand under the spring when it's jacked up, it saves a lot of time."
Don't know about that one. Have to take a look at it.
Don't know about that one. Have to take a look at it.
It really isn't unsafe, as there is no need or reason to ever put your hand under the spring. To me, and most mechanically-inclined people, this is just common sense, but I always mention it because not everyone will automatically realize the potential danger of the spring, and obviously I wouldn't want to see anyone get hurt from doing this.
As long as you know what NOT to do, you'll be fine.
If you have any more questions about the exact procedure, let me know.
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
Thanks Glenn, but that method is what I'm TRYING to avoid having to do. Probably will get stuck doing it that way though. Preciate the help.
