Changing the front springs on my 60.

[Greg L.]

I'm getting ready to change the front springs on my 60 and was wondering if anyone has any little tricks to make the job easier? Every other spring I've ever changed(non-corvette) I always undid the balljoint end on the control arm and removed it that way but I have a non-GM Corvette manual that says to remove the inner control arm pivot from the frame instead.

I'm just wondering if this is the prefered method for these Corvettes or if it's just the prefered method of the author of the manual I have?

I'm also wondering if there is anything else that I need to order along with the new springs, like shims, rubbers, etc or if I should just need the springs.

Thanks.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Changing the front springs on my 60.

I changed the springs in my Monte Carlo using this method... (lower control arm removal). I found that I had better control of the spring forces during removal and installation as I used a floor jack under the arm which allowed the arm to "arc" with the spring. I used long bolts temporarily for alignment during installation as I jacked the arm back into position.

Breaking the ball joint loose sometimes ends with the grease seal destroyed. Another reason to use this method.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Changing the front springs on my 60.

Greg,
Check the ST12.
Thier method works great and does not require any spring compressors or special tools and is perfectly safe.

[Greg L.]

Re: Changing the front springs on my 60.

Thanks guys, I'll do it the way you say.

I'm a little embarrassed because that "non GM service manual" that I have is actualy an ST-12. I didn't realize it was a GM publication but now that I know, I'll pay more attention to it!

[Mike E.]

Re: Changing the front springs on my 60.

I changed the springs in my Monte Carlo using this method... (lower control arm removal). I found that I had better control of the spring forces during removal and installation as I used a floor jack under the arm which allowed the arm to "arc" with the spring. I used long bolts temporarily for alignment during installation as I jacked the arm back into position.

Breaking the ball joint loose sometimes ends with the grease seal destroyed. Another reason to use this method.

No problems with ball joints or ball joint seals on a solid axle car! Great reason to drive them, right?