I have read two different methods for reinstalling Coil spirngs:

1-Hook the both arms to the car and the upper ball joint then jack the lower arm up.

OR

2-Hook the upper arm to the car and the ball joint and attach the lower spindle to the arm then jack the rear of the lower arm up into the subframe.

Method one sounds seems easier because you only have one bolt to line up. But, the assembly manual says to use method 2.

What should I do?

Method 2 works best for me especially if you have stiff springs. Using this method allows the spring to sit pretty squarely in the lower spring pocket as you jack the arm up into place. Use a couple of tapered alignment tools to hold the arm in place while you get the bolts in.

Method 1 causes the spring to be just barely caught on the lower control arms spring pocket until the arm is almost in place. It's hard to keep the spring from jumping out of the pocket.

This is a hard job with the factory length springs. You should have an internal spring compressor, and the help of a friend if available. At least then, there will be somebody to call 911 and wipe up the blood! ;)

Method 2 is the best and safest way to go. I would still recommend the use of internal coil spring compressors to help relieve some of the tension. If you use method 1, the spring may not maintain the proper seating in the top pocket and become a bear to correct. You may have to remove it and try again. This job is hazardous enough without having to repeat the exposure to possible harm. Good Luck and be careful.

I've always used method 1 with no problem. For me method 2 is to much work. But, most of the springs I replace, the lower A Frame is already bolted up.

my .02
Shane

I've always jacked the lower control arm up and never had a problem, but I use a sping compresser too...speedy

I'm putting in Hotchkis springs. They should make the job easier.

I did a complete rebuild on my front end and used 'method 1' even though the manual said to use method 2. I attached both control arms to the subfame and the steering knuckle to the lower control arm. I then put in my new springs but I turned then 180 degrees so the lowest point on the coil was not in the pocket. Reason--It was easier to start. Then I used a floor jack to raise the lower control arm up and pushed the upper ball joint studd through the steering knuckle. I then took a pry bar and twisted the spring into it's proper position to seat the end of the coil into the pocket. I did not use a spring compressor but I did have a log chain heavliy bolted in 2 places to hold the spring if it were to slip out. I have used this method also on Chevrolet pickups with upper and lower control arms.

I used method 1 and had no problems. I also installed hotchkis springs with an internal spring compressor. For some reason method 2 doesn't seem as safe to me because while you are compressing the spring, you also need to line up the lower a arm and install the bolts, then connect the spindle to the ball joints. If you use method 2 I would use a chain as well as a spring compressor. I wanted to release the pressure on the spring as soon as possible, so I chose method 1. Good luck

all good...but dont try what i just did, installing the the springs with the sub frame unattached, with no engine for weight...duh graemlins/clonk.gif

This is how I did it.

www.geocities.com/boodlefoof/springs2 (http://www.geocities.com/boodlefoof/springs2)

Thanks everyone. I don't know if it will work yet, but a friend of mine told me to bolt the upper and lower arms to the frame and attach the top ball joint, then seat the spring and install the shock. I assume you would only be able to bolt the top of the shock in but I didn't ask. He says that with the shock in before you compress the spring there is no way the spring will come out. He used this method when he takes them out as well. I like the chain idea my self and it work great when I took mine out. I used the method from Camaro owner's handbook and it worked great with no compressor.