 jrogers885
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 67
Reg: 01-05-10
|
06-15-12 10:00 AM - Post#2237414
Just got a rolling frame to replace my rusty one and ready to take it down. Question, any suggestions on removing the front springs? I have done it with the car setting on it with a hyd jack but don't have the weight now. Any words of wisdom before i learn the hard way? Thanks!
|
|
 Black SD
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 892
Loc: TEXAS
Reg: 06-26-05
|
06-15-12 12:40 PM - Post#2237478
In response to jrogers885
I place a chain through the spring (top to bottom around the A arm) and lock the chain together with a bolt.
Then i use a torch to cut the spring. Chain keeps the spring or its parts from flying out and striking your body parts (leg,arm etc),as they are under extreme pressure.
|
Tomme
Forum Newbie
Posts: 82
Age: 53
Loc: Uppsala, Sweden
Reg: 09-21-09
|
06-15-12 02:25 PM - Post#2237516
In response to jrogers885
I did it this way when i dis-assembled my front suspension: http://tomme.se/blogg/?p=73
Or you can use the "threaded rod" assembly method, reversed... http://tomme.se/blogg/?p=348
Homepage/Blog: http://tomme.se/blogg/
1966 Impala 2d HT, 327-PG el. TH400 el. TH700R4
1970 C20 CST Fleetside PickUp, 350-TH350
1991 Caprice Wagon, 305-TH700R4
|
|
65_Impala
Very Senior Member
Posts: 1593
Reg: 12-29-02
|
06-16-12 09:38 AM - Post#2237811
In response to jrogers885
I've read to strip it down to the lower control arm with the shock still in place and then to cut or undo the top shock mount, which will let it drop and still contain the spring. The springs in these cars will still travel a long ways when doing this.
Personally, I just bought a spring compressor. And still ran a chain through it to hold it in place if the compressor slipped or failed. You need to be extra careful with something that can seriously maim or kill you if it goes bad. You'll likely need one to put it back together. The springs in these cars are so long you will have a struggle to get them into the spring pockets enough to jack-up the arm even with the engine and car on the frame.
|
 jumbojim
"2nd Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 315
Age: 66
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
Reg: 09-25-11
|
06-17-12 06:03 AM - Post#2238154
In response to 65_Impala
If you're just got a rolling frame and no engine, this is how you get the front springs out.
Take out shocks. Jack up frame at front high enough for the lower arms to swing down to about vertical plus about 6 inches for a garage jack.
Support the frame at the front. Now place the garage jack under the lower arm and jack it up till it nearly contacts the arm. Have the jack handle facing the rear of the frame. Now loop a chain under the jack and over top of the chassis near where the spring sits. The chain should be up on the inside of the frame and down on the outside of the frame crossing over the inner part of the upper arm. Raise the jack till it now just contacts the lower arm. Pull the chain tight and use a 3/8 bolt and nut to join the links of the chain. Taking due care , slowly raise the jack a little, till you see the spring is compressing. When the spring is compressed you can release either of the ball joints by removing the split pin and undo the nut about half way.
( leave the nut on at this stage to protect the thread ). Use a large 2lb hammer to strike the support arm at the ball joint taper area. You can use a large screw driver to check if the taper is released. When it is, remove the nut and slowly release the jack all the way and pull it out. If the spring does not fall out, it will be nearly out, so you grab it tightly and yank it out or use a crow bar to lever it out. Repeat for the other side. Jim
|
Kabous66
Contributor
Posts: 188
Reg: 04-18-11
|
06-23-12 06:18 PM - Post#2240605
In response to jumbojim
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by the chain being "up" or "down?"
|
jumbojim
"2nd Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 315
Age: 66
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
Reg: 09-25-11
|
06-24-12 05:34 AM - Post#2240685
In response to Kabous66
Sorry. I just meant that the chain loops around the frame and under the jack. This method in reverse is also good for installing the front springs when the motor/trans. is not fitted. Jim
|
jrogers885
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 67
Reg: 01-05-10
|
06-24-12 05:21 PM - Post#2240903
In response to jrogers885
Thanks a lot for all the information. I have removed and reinstalled them when the engine and body was on but not without. No matter how much precautions i take, working with springs makes me real nervous. Thanks!!
|
|
Gain extra benefits by becoming a Supporting Member 
drtyler (4)
