Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

[Patrick N.]

I am installing my coil springs today (68 BB no air-std springs). The control arms and new ball joints are in place. I have an internal compressor, curved the spring while compressing and can get the spring into the frame tower and on the lower control arm. With no engine on the frame- how do I compress the spring the rest of the way to engage the steering spindle to upper ball joint?? Weights, tie-downs? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Pat
68 427 / 400
88

[Paul D.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

Patrick, I removed the springs on my '71 with no motor in the chassis and the car on stands by using half of a internal compressor on a threaded rod run up through the upper shock mount. I used a small front wheel bearing between two large washers to prevent galling the frame. By running the threaded rod through the frame, I feel I was able to grab the spring lower and compress farther than by using the tool as intended. Another member did the same thing, but instead fabbed up a 4"X4" steel plate and pulled the spring down against the lower control arm because he feared damaging the upper shock mount. I think he had pictures that you may be able to find by searching front spring removal. I haven't been able to try installing springs yet, but do not anticipate any problems. I probably just jinxed myself with that statement. Chip.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

I've had to move the actual contact points of the spring compressor so that the spring wouldn't curve when compress and so it would compress enough to install.

I didn't say it was easy, though.

Patrick

[Patrick N.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

Paul and Patrick,

Thanks for the help! this is a simple job with an engine in the car, but a bear without. I think I have concluded that the best way is a combination of both suggestions.

I am going through the shock tower to compress more of the spring. I will also not use the curve configuration when compressing the spring. I have a ratcheting tie-down to pull the lower portion of the spring to the center of the car and into the lower control arm-(worked really well when I tried last night).

If needed, I have a heavy duty ratcheting tie-down that I will rig on the lower controll arm and frame rail to compress the spring the rest of the way ( seen on a Trans-Am site).

If that does not work, I will simply bolt the motor onto the frame to weight it down.

Thanks again guys, I will take some pics and post the process if it goes well.

Pat
68 427 / 400
88

[Stephen L.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

I compressed the spring using a fixture and grade 8 threaded rod. DO NOT USE GENERAL PURPOSE ROD!!! Run the rod thru the top shock mount and pull up the spring to the point that the ball joint stud can be inserted into the spindle and bolted on. There is a lot of stored energy in this process so be very careful.

Using 1/2 of an internal spring compressor will also work for the fixture part.

[Patrick N.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

did you make the fixture or purchase? I have not seen one like this out there? IF purchsed, do you have a location / part number?

Good advice on the stored energy-that is my biggest concern (next to damaging finishes in the process)

Thanks!

Pat
68 427 / 400
88

[Bill C.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

If that does not work, I will simply bolt the motor onto the frame to weight it down

Will not be nearly enough weight - need the body in the car.
I tried it - LOL

I used a regular spring compressor, floor jack and was finally able to get the spring compressed enough to get the nut on the lower ball joint.
I had to experiment with where I grabbed the coils etc .. but was able to pull it off.

Royal PITA ----


I wish I had known about going through the shock tower !!!!

[Patrick N.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

one down - one to go. Going through the shock mount was clearly hte way to go. It is much easier to "pull" the spring into the lower control arm with a ratcheting tie-down than trying to negotiate a curved compressed spring into place.

it was much easier as well to compress the spring the rest of the way to get the spindle bolted in place. I did use the floor jack and had 2 others help me.

Thanks everyone, hopefully this thread can help others as well.

Pat
68 427/400
88

[Steve L.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

[quote=Patrick Nolan (48743);446684]one down - one to go. Going through the shock mount was clearly hte way to go. It is much easier to "pull" the spring into the lower control arm with a ratcheting tie-down than trying to negotiate a curved compressed spring into place.

Do you have a picture of your ratcheting set-up?

[Patrick N.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

will do. I am heading home now to do the second one and will post later this evening what my set up looks like.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

The fixture in the photo was custom made by a friend.

When installing the spring don't forget to align the spring end with the notch in the frame....

did you make the fixture or purchase? I have not seen one like this out there? IF purchsed, do you have a location / part number?

Good advice on the stored energy-that is my biggest concern (next to damaging finishes in the process)

Thanks!

Pat
68 427 / 400
88

[Patrick N.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

Sorry for the delay getting these posted.

Here are the pics of the set up I used. The threaded shaft of the second compressor I got was too large to go through the shock tower so I modified what I had.

I inverted the shaft of the cheap compressor, used the hooks from the good one and locked it down on top with the threaded hook of the first compressor- not the best way but good American problem solving on the fly.

Once you ratchet the spring into place, then you continue compressing the spring through the opening in the lower control arm while floor jacking the control arm as you go.

I did have to twist the springs a few times to line up the bottom notch as Stephen mentioned. The spring shifts when you start to apply torque to the compressor.

Hope this helps others!

[Chuck G.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

Here's a cheaper and less sophisticated spring compressor.

Works great. Grade 8 rod, some washers, nuts, and a piece of boiler plate.

I don't know how anyone can use those internal spring compressors.

Chuck

[Patrick N.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

I hear you Chuck! Someone could make a ton of money designing a better spring compressor

[Chuck G.]

Re: Coil Spring w/ No Engine_UGH!

I hear you Chuck! Someone could make a ton of money designing a better spring compressor

Now there's a plan for you and me, Patrick. We could open our own spring compressor biz.

All we need are lengths of All-Thread, some washers and nuts, a big sheet of boiler plate and a plasma cutter and we'd be in business.

The compressor I showed in the pic is one that has been passed around the Mason Dixon NCRS Chapter and the Bel Air Corvette Club for decades.

Don't know who has it now, but I used it on several occasions.

Chuck