[denverRS/SS]

Any tips on getting the coil springs back in the car? I am doing a complete rebuild of the front end and subframe and these are a bugger. One thing seems apparent is that I will need to put the motor back in for weight. I have a shop manual that shows using a steel bar to lever the spring and lower A arm. Is this the best method? I tried a spring compressor and realized I couldn't get it out of the inside of the spring once installed. I am concerned about safety and read some of the old postings about tying in the spring to the frame with rope or a cable which sound like good precautions. Any other suggestions? Thanks to all for your insights!!

[Austin]

I'm rebuilding my subframe also, when I went to remove my coils I used a spring compressor. It did fit through the opening in the lower A-arm I think it depends on what type of compressor you use. It worked so nice I know I will be able to use it for re-install. I'm not positive but I believe it was made by OTC (owatana tool company). I work at a car dealership and I borrowed it from our service dept. If you would like I could double check on the manufacture. Let me know, good luck and be carfull!

[kel]

I just recently installed my springs with the front subframe removed and the engine out. I would recommend that you install the lower control arms to the frame first. Next position the compressed spring into the frame and raise the lower control arm. I placed a jack under the outside of the control arm (at the ball joint end) and used it to compress the spring further (You have to have weight on the subrame or it will simply move up and the spring will not compress. I drove the front of my 3/4 ton truck over the end of the subframe. It was positioned so that the frame of the truck was parallel and on top of the subrame rail. This worked like a charm and the frame did not move at all.). Next I ran the lower ball joint stud through the spindle and installed the nut to hold the whole thing together. I went ahead and torqued the ball joint nuts at this time and then released the compression on the springs and removed the compressor. I rented a compressor from Auto Zone (no charge) and it worked great. Good Luck!

[hammerdwn]

denver, i just put my springs back in after the rebuild on my 68 and they are not fun to do. try to use the spring compresser that has the fingers on both sides and they will come out the lower a arm. good luck any questions e-mail me

[RockyMtnRacer]

I put new coils in my '69 recently - I cut one coil off and they slipped right in! However, if you're not into the low look - use the compressor - but one more good trick is to run a chain under the floor jack and around the frame - then when you raise the jack under the control arm you don't just lift the car. For an extra safety margin, you can also run a cable thru the coil, out both control arms, and fasten it together with some u-bolts. That way if it gets loose it doesn't go anywhere.