GM J-22944 Spring Remover - NCRS Discussion Boards

GM J-22944 Spring Remover

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  • Bill L.
    Expired
    • February 1, 2004
    • 1403

    GM J-22944 Spring Remover

    I am wondering if anyone knows where to find this tool mentioned in the Service manual.

    It looks to be the simplest way to remove the front coil springs. I have tried the spring compressors in the past on my GTO and it was okay.

    I have also read about making a spring compressor from threaded rod, washers and nuts.

    I may go that way unless someone has the J tool I might borrow or purchase.

    Thanks,



    Bill
  • Joe L.
    Beyond Control Poster
    • February 1, 1988
    • 43219

    #2
    Re: GM J-22944 Spring Remover

    Originally posted by Bill Lennox (41387)
    I am wondering if anyone knows where to find this tool mentioned in the Service manual.

    It looks to be the simplest way to remove the front coil springs. I have tried the spring compressors in the past on my GTO and it was okay.

    I have also read about making a spring compressor from threaded rod, washers and nuts.

    I may go that way unless someone has the J tool I might borrow or purchase.

    Thanks,



    Bill
    Bill-----


    Many years ago I had a friend of mine who was good at such things make me up a "duplicate" of tool J-22944. Try as I may, I was never able to make this tool work effectively for me. I wish I could have since I consider this to be a safer way of removing the springs than other methods.

    I ended up using a modified internal spring compressor (you'll never get the common type with hooks on both ends to work on a Corvette).

    If you make up a tool from threaded rod, make sure you use at least SAE Grade 5 rod and, preferably, grade 8. You won't find either of these in most hardware stores.

    Always safety chain the spring when removing or installing it.
    In Appreciation of John Hinckley

    Comment

    • Bill L.
      Expired
      • February 1, 2004
      • 1403

      #3
      Re: GM J-22944 Spring Remover

      Thanks Joe

      Eckler's makes a tool that looks pretty good but a little steep at $119.00.

      The GTO was pretty easy with the plain vanilla remover with hooks.


      Bill

      Comment

      • Patrick H.
        Beyond Control Poster
        • December 1, 1989
        • 11643

        #4
        Re: GM J-22944 Spring Remover

        I've used the free rental tools at AutoZone and had no issues. And yes, they're the ones with the "double J-hook" configuration. I'm not sure why Joe thinks they won't work.

        Patrick
        Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
        71 "deer modified" coupe
        72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
        2008 coupe
        Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

        Comment

        • Joe L.
          Beyond Control Poster
          • February 1, 1988
          • 43219

          #5
          Re: GM J-22944 Spring Remover

          Originally posted by Patrick Hulst (16386)
          I've used the free rental tools at AutoZone and had no issues. And yes, they're the ones with the "double J-hook" configuration. I'm not sure why Joe thinks they won't work.

          Patrick
          Patrick-----


          The ones I've tried (and there were at least 2 different ones), I could not get enough compression on the spring with the upper and lower hooks attached to the lowest/highest accessible coils of the spring. I had success using the compressor with the top hooks attached to the highest accessible coils, the lower hook assembly removed, the rod passing through the shock mount hole in the lower a-arm, and a thick steel plate and nut on the bottom of the lower a-arm. With this modification I could get enough compression on the spring to remove and install it.
          In Appreciation of John Hinckley

          Comment

          • Bruce B.
            Extremely Frequent Poster
            • May 31, 1996
            • 2930

            #6
            Re: GM J-22944 Spring Remover

            On the C1 cars no spring compressor is required per the instructions in ST12. I have done the spring removal and installation a number of times without any problems. I have also used threaded rod, but the other method works best, per GMs instructions.
            Possibly in the ball joint cars the rod or compressor should be used although I think that any car with A arms would act the same as the C1.

            Comment

            • Paul D.
              Very Frequent User
              • September 30, 1996
              • 491

              #7
              Re: GM J-22944 Spring Remover

              Joe, I went the other way on my '71. I used 1/2 of a spring compressor tool with a long threaded rod passing through the upper shock mount hole. My tip is to use a small tapered front wheel bearing sandwiched between two large washers between the nut and the frame. Worked very well and didn't seem to be as much of a strain on the threaded rod. I chained the spring for safety's sake of course. Chip.

              Comment

              • Joe L.
                Beyond Control Poster
                • February 1, 1988
                • 43219

                #8
                Re: GM J-22944 Spring Remover

                Originally posted by Paul Drennan (28344)
                Joe, I went the other way on my '71. I used 1/2 of a spring compressor tool with a long threaded rod passing through the upper shock mount hole. My tip is to use a small tapered front wheel bearing sandwiched between two large washers between the nut and the frame. Worked very well and didn't seem to be as much of a strain on the threaded rod. I chained the spring for safety's sake of course. Chip.
                Chip----


                Yes, it should work either way. I've heard of others doing it the way you described, too. The reason that I chose the way I did it is because the lower a-frame is a stouter piece than the shock tower. I figured I couldn't distort the lower a-frame but I might distort the shock tower.

                Using a bearing like you described is also something I did, although I didn't mention it in my previous post. However, I didn't use a wheel bearing. I used a commercially available roller thrust bearing. In my opinion, using a bearing is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to avoid damage and possible breakage of the rod. Some of the better internal spring compressors now come with a bearing. Some of the cheap ones only have 2 thick washers. I also use a roller thrust bearing on harmonic balancer pullers and installers. Some come with such a bearing but it's usually a "cheapie". I replace it with a good one.
                In Appreciation of John Hinckley

                Comment

                • Bill S.
                  Very Frequent User
                  • April 30, 2002
                  • 154

                  #9
                  Re: GM J-22944 Spring Remover

                  Contact Bill Sawrey he deals in obsolete KM Tools. I have been buying tools from him for over 20 years and he is reputable. Good prices and he knows his tools. He deals in KM , Miller, and Rotunda dealer service tools.

                  toolzguy@bellsouth.net
                  Bill Strobel
                  Owner Independent Towing
                  Fayetteville, NC
                  1979 Corvette White/Red L-82 4 spd
                  Only 4,200 miles
                  Do It Right or Don't Do It At All

                  Comment

                  • Bill L.
                    Expired
                    • February 1, 2004
                    • 1403

                    #10
                    Re: GM J-22944 Spring Remover

                    Thanks for the info!

                    I have sent an email. I will let you know how I make out.



                    Bill

                    Comment

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