Coil spring removal

[Justin S.]

With the body off of my 70, which coil spring compression tool works the best?

[John H.]

Re: Coil spring removal

With the body off of my 70, which coil spring compression tool works the best?

Justin -

The high-grade 5/8" threaded rod (Acme thread preferred) approach with steel plates/washers below the lower control arm and above the top of the frame pocket.


SpringCompressor.jpg

[Justin S.]

Re: Coil spring removal

Thanks for your response John but I didn't ask the question properly.
I'm removing the springs with the body off and without that weight I need to compress the spring before I bust the knuckle off the joint.

[Donald H.]

Re: Coil spring removal

That is the method John described. I've removed the coil spring from my 66 and a 60 with the bodies off both using this method. Use a good 5/8"'threaded rod. Plate on the bottom. I put a grade 8 washer and double nuts on the bottom. Then two grade 8 washers and a grade 8 nut on top. I also greased the rod liberally with bearing grease. Crank on the top nut. Takes a while, but the spring compresses very easy.

Don

[Justin S.]

Re: Coil spring removal

Thank you John and Don

[Steve M.]

Re: Coil spring removal

I used the same method to remove and re-install the springs on a 1969 that I am doing a frame off on. To reduce the force to turn the top nut, I used the plate, grade 8 washer, a thrust bearing, another grade 8 washer and the nut. The bearing made turning the top nut much easier. I found the bearing on ebay for a few dollars.
Steve

[Jim S.]

Re: Coil spring removal

For even further ease while tightening or loosening , and a little more "Grab" on the threads , which made me feel better , I used a

Coupling/Connecting Nut on top, and on the bottom with a regular nut to lock it in place .

Jim

[Bill L.]

Re: Coil spring removal

HI:

I am not sure if this tool is still available but back around 2000-2001 I rebuilt the front end on my 66 big-block coupe and I got this tool from Napa --- It simplified the process greatly ---

Screen Shot 2015-09-09 at 6.07.13 PM.jpg

I am not sure if it is still available but well worth getting one if you are doing any front end work that requires spring compression / removal.

Hope this helps a bit--

Regards
Bill

[Justin S.]

Re: Coil spring removal

Don, what's the proper length of all thread to use?

[Donald H.]

Re: Coil spring removal

Mine is 36". I think I ordered it from Grainger. I could not find one locally in 5/8".

[Chuck G.]

Re: Coil spring removal

Here are some photos.

The first two are of my "old" compressor, which I lent out to someone ?? and never got back.

The second two are of my current compressor, which I've used on midyear and shark Corvettes and my 56 Chevy.

Chuck

[Joe R.]

Re: Coil spring removal

Bill,

I have the exact tool bought on-line. I took off the sliding clamp and use it from above in the upper shock mounting hole. Drop the threaded rod thru the hole and screw on the threaded clamp.
Works like a champ and the unit is hardened correctly so one does not eat some of the parts. Used it for years on several Corvettes. Only thing is to drop a smaller washer in the shock mount so it does not smash the upper shock mount pressed in the frame.

JR

[Gary S.]

Re: Coil spring removal

Looks like I deleted my question (so much for smart phone). Are the grade 8 bolts and rods required or just an added margin of safety.

[Donald H.]

Re: Coil spring removal

Looks like I deleted my question (so much for smart phone). Are the grade 8 bolts and rods required or just an added margin of safety.

My local Home Depot and Lowes only had 1/2" rod which seem a little flimsey to me. I ordered 5/8" rod from Fastenall (not Grainger as I stated above). It was not rated as grade 8 and im not sure how it was rated, but it has worked fine for me. I did get grade 8 nuts and washers to used with it.

Don

[Justin S.]

Re: Coil spring removal

As Don said, I got all the parts from Fastenal. Thanks again John and Don. 100% success.
Justin