Any advice for removing front and rear suspension from frame?
I have the body off my 1970. Motor and transmission are out too. I am looking for advice on method / sequence for removing front and rear suspension from the chassis as I am going to have the frame and most of the components sandblasted. There is no weight on the chassis, and I don't have a spring compressor. I'd like to just start taking bolts out of the front and rear suspension, but I am sure there is probably a better and safer method. Any ideas? Steve
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Re: Any advice for removing front and rear suspension from frame?
I did this on my 71, but it's been several years. You can't do the job unless you have the tools. Just loosening bolts is a great way to get a spring up your rectum. Most auto parts places (AutoZone, OReiley's etc) will loan you the tools. You definitely need an inside spring compressor. Mucho funo. Compress the spring and use a floor jack to lower it down until you can remove it from the shock tower. I also wrap a chin around the spring/tower in case something lets loose. Tremendous amount of tension built up. From there it is mostly bagging and tagging. Probably the best tool to have is a Factory Service Manual as well as an AIM for your year. Getting the springs back in with no body on is a trick - that's what I did, also, although I did have the drivetrain in. Good luck. Just take your time once you get the right tools.
Jim -
Re: Any advice for removing front and rear suspension from frame?
For rear spring, use a long pry bar or 2x3 and put end on lower shock mount to act as fulcrum to unload the rear spring to remove the spring to trailing arm bolts. Definitely use a good internal spring compressor for the front spring. It is well worth the cost to rent one if you can't borrow one through one of your local chain parts houses. An air impact wrench makes it go a lot faster and don't forget to soak all the fastener joints with penetrating oil a few days ahead of disassembly. It will save you some broken bolts.Comment
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Re: Any advice for removing front and rear suspension from frame?
I used a ratchet strap around the frame and the ends of the rear spring to unload the bolt to the trailing arm. I also re-assembled the same way with towels under the straps so the finish on the spring/frame was not damaged while putting tension on the spring.Comment
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Re: Any advice for removing front and rear suspension from frame?
Thanks guys. I will take your advice and rent / borrow spring compressor for front. For the rear, I have removed the sway bar, brake lines, and misc items. I am thinking I'd like to take the whole rear end assembly out as one peice by (1) removing lower bolts from ends of spring as described above (2) removing bolt from pumpkin bracket to frame at the round rubber bushing (3) removing bolts that attach trailing arms from frame (4) removing 4 bolts that hold top of rear end to cross member then (5) rolling the rear end assembly out from under ther frame. Then I can disasemble all the parts. Does that sound like a good plan of attack or is that worse than taking the parts off one by one?Comment
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Re: Any advice for removing front and rear suspension from frame?
Steve,
If you have weight on the front, like the engine, put a jack under the lower control arm to compress the spring. Leave the front shocks on and then separate the top ball joint. The shock will keep the spring from going anywhere, and it will release the tension on the spring. Then just remove the shock and the lower control arm will fall away so you can remove the spring.Comment
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Re: Any advice for removing front and rear suspension from frame?
If you take the rear apart piece by piece it is less weight and easier to handle by yourself. If you leave the differential, spring and support together watch the weight involved and support it properly to take it apart.Comment
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