'62 Front Springs Replacement

[Richard L.]

I need to change the old, probably original, front springs on my '62 Corvette. Can anyone who has already done it offer some advice and or guidance? I'm looking for the most straight forward way to do it and don't plan to go beyond the replacement of both springs and the shock absorbers--no kingpins, bushings or anything else since it drives well and everything is tight. Both ZIP and Corvette Central offer new ones though ZIP's appear to be the nearest to stock.
Look forward to your comments.
Thanks
Ric

[Richard M.]

Re: '62 Front Springs Replacement

Ric,

The ST-12 outlines the method. Section 3-8.


The online ST-12 can be accessed for a digital reference. I prefer the hardcopy, available from the NCRS Store.

Rich

[Dennis C.]

Re: '62 Front Springs Replacement

Read through this post from our C1 front end expert over on Chevy Talk:

https://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/s.../218134/all/1/

[Richard L.]

Re: '62 Front Springs Replacement

OK, I understand first removing the bottom shock plate and then the shock itself and, secondly, the sway-bar's long vertical rod threaded on both ends.
BUT here's my critical question: is the LOWER CONTROL ARM secured/attached by the shaft that has the two grease nipples on each end? That would seem to allow the lower A-arm (wrong nomenclature?) to separate and thus release the spring and let it drop so it can be removed and replaced. Am I correct in this assumption? By the way, I do have a copy of the manual referenced and I'm familiar with the section but couldn't identify (without an arrow, LOL) the "lower control arm" part.
thank you both,
Ric

[Richard M.]

Re: '62 Front Springs Replacement

Ric,

Yes, the lower inner shaft(that has the gease fittings) is lowered via the floor-jack after removing the 4 bolts/nuts.

And yes, "A" arm is the lower control arm.

Screenshot_20240822_005823_Chrome.jpg

[Richard L.]

Re: '62 Front Springs Replacement

Got it now. Just wanted to make double-dog sure. Thanks to all who replied.
Ric

[Gary C.]

Re: '62 Front Springs Replacement

Ric,

Make sure the bottom of the spring is aligned properly with the raised part in the lower A arm. If not the spring will ride higher.

That's the way it is on a '57. Never replaced a front spring on a '62.

Gary
....

[Richard L.]

Re: '62 Front Springs Replacement

Gary,
Thanks for the tip, it's a good reminder.
ric