Coil spring install tip

[Motoracer838]

Instead of compressing the spring and wrestling the thing in place and fighting with getting the spring compressor out, like this.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/05/40175418280_eb4c4f8549_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24dawaw)IMG_20180508_142056328 (https://flic.kr/p/24dawaw) by Joseph Martin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159706764@N04/), on Flickr
Don't use the upper half of the compressor, instead drop the bolt through the upper shock mount hole and engage with the lower half of the compressor (note this works for through sock applications, where the shock rides inside the spring.)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/05/41263464994_b497b2b97e_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25Sj3xC)IMG_20180508_142443502 (https://flic.kr/p/25Sj3xC) by Joseph Martin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159706764@N04/), on Flickr
think of the spry can as the top of the frame where the shock comes through... Note you need to make sure the spring is clocked correctly before compressing the spring or you'll have to run it back down turn the spring and do it again, also it may take a little prying to get the spring in the pocket, but I find this way much easier and safer...

Joe

[JustJohn]

Wish you had posted this before my coil over kit. Great idea.

[Motoracer838]

Wish you had posted this before my coil over kit. Great idea.

That's probably where this shines best, turns spring removal into a simple/safe task... Sorry I didn't post sooner, the idea hit me when I was doing the springs and tall ball joints in Frankenstine last weekend, the job went soo smooth, I forgot to take pics...

Joe

[Closf71]

Is this method used for both removal and installation? What do you use at the top? Not quite seeing how this works.

[boss_hoss]

Is this method used for both removal and installation? What do you use at the top? Not quite seeing how this works.


Depend son on your application. This method works best for cars like GM A, F, and X bodies where the shock mounts inside of the spring. You would just put the threaded rod through the hole for the top of the shock and put a bolt on to hold it in place, the spring bucket hold the spring in place while you tighten it from the bottom. You could do it for a mustang too but you'd probably need a big washer or make your own plate since the hole for the shock is larger.

[Closf71]

Thank you for responding. Based on the picture above where the spray can represents the frame of the vehicle (2nd gen F-body), wouldn't i tighten the bolt from the top?

[Closf71]

BTW, nice 69 GTO. Awesome workmanship.

[boss_hoss]

Thank you for responding. Based on the picture above where the spray can represents the frame of the vehicle (2nd gen F-body), wouldn't i tighten the bolt from the top?

Yes that’s how you would do it. You’d just tighten the bolt from the top the same way you’d bolt
up the shock and when everything is installed you’d just unscrew the spring clamp and drop it out the hole in the lower control arm.

[Closf71]

Thank you for clarifying

[Closf71]

Out of curiosity, how much space do most of you have between the lower control arm rubber bumper and the frame on a 2nd gen F-body? I have about an inch. I feel the springs are too short or too soft for my vehicle.

[srode]

We used to just pop them into the spring pocket on the lower A Frame with a block under it and then jack it up the control arm and attach the ball joint after trapping it with the shock absorber. Of course we didn't care about scratching up the control arm back then either.