Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

[Mark H.]

808D00D0-57DF-4AB8-AD9C-2E9586DB8719.jpg

[David H.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Mark

AutoZone has a loaner coil spring compressor tool that works ok.

Dave

[Keith B.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

I just use a piece of all thread and hard washers. never a problem

[Chuck G.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Here's all you need.

[Mark H.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Chuck, what is the bottom plate made out of?

[Chuck G.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Chuck, what is the bottom plate made out of?

Don't laugh. It's a piece of an old lawnmower blade.

I had another one years ago that had a chunk of boilerplate on it. Lent it to someone, and never got it back.

[Mark H.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Well that should be easy. Same length as the block in the diagram (3.2”)?

[Chuck G.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Well that should be easy. Same length as the block in the diagram (3.2”)?

Mine is 6 3/8" long, 2 3/4" wide. I just measured it.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Tom, who made the video, sells the block.
I bought one from him.

I added a piece of adhesive-backed foam to the A-arm side so it would not scratch them.
I also use Grade 8 bolts and washers to attach it to the lower A-arm.

[Mark H.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Thanks Patrick. I tried to message him but his box was full.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Thanks Patrick. I tried to message him but his box was full.

Through this site or through another?
He's listed on here in the Members section.

[John H.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Been using all thread and an old tired snap on lower section for years. Love the lawn mower blade!

[Mark H.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Through this site or through another?<br />
He's listed on here in the Members section.

This site.

[Mark H.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Well, a year later and I'm finally going to tackle removing the front springs and replacing the bushings on the control arms. I have procured from McMaster-Carr the following:

Grade B7 Medium-Strength Steel Threaded Rod, 5/8"-11 Thread Size, 2 Feet Long
Extreme-Strength Steel Extra-Wide Hex Nut, Grade 2H, Black-Oxide, 5/8"-11 Thread Size, Packs of 5
Zinc Yellow-Chromate Plated Steel Oversized Washer, Grade 8, for 5/8" Screw Size, 0.656" ID, 1.312" OD, Packs of 10

For the bottom, I have a piece of 3/8" steel:

Plate 1.jpg

Plate 2.jpg

The plate is 8" long, I may need to cut it a bit shorter but we'll see. I have some rubber or horse stall mat material to use as a buffer.

The steering linkage is completely removed. I figure the process to go like this:

-remove sway bar (replacing all the rubber while I'm there)
-put the car on jackstands on the frame.
-remove front wheels
-Mine is a '64, so no brake caliper to worry about
-Loosen lower ball joint nut and the lower control arm cross shaft bushing bolts.
-two nuts on the bottom of the rod to lock in place, one washer and then the plate.
-grease the rod and pass it through the shock tower and use two washers and a nut on top. Grease between the washers.
-chain/strap on spring to ???????
-compress spring.
-separate lower ball joint from steering knuckle and remove
-decompress spring and swing the lower control arm out of the way
-remove spring
remove control arms

Sounds easy. I've been working on cars for 45 years, but this is the only thing that really scares me. I'm not sure what to chain or strap the spring to. if something lets go, I think having it tied off somehow is important. What do you folks use?

Thanks.

Mark

[Thomas N.]

Re: Coil Spring Compressor Lower Block

Mark
Trying to come up with a strap or chain will probably just get in the way. With this approach, the threaded rod in the center captivates and "cages" the spring assembly. You bought the higher strength threaded rod. The factor of safety is extremely high. Keep in mind the diameter of the threaded rod is about twice the diameter of a shock rod, and that is what keeps everything together on the road, and they experience cyclic loads, corrosion and other factors. Steel loves tension. If you want, I can send you a lower block that utilizes the shock mounts. Send me your address and I'll get it out to you. All I ask is that you return it back to me when you are done. Sorry, I didn't see this thread earlier. If you have any other questions, let me know.