Swap out front coils
 

Hey all, did a search and didn't see anything that covered it, probably a bit of a "stupid question" but here goes.

What is the best plan of attack for swapping out the front coil springs? I took a look under there and it seems like the lower a arm mount (u bolts) at the frame would be a good bet...better than prying apart that ball joint / hub / a arm setup.

Anyone have a quick how to on doing this? Are the springs under any sort of pre load with the front end off the ground?

Thanks in advance

Re: Swap out front coils
 

Remove the shocks, dis connect the sway bar...LOOSEN the bottom ball joint nut....SMACK the spindle w/ a BFH an it comes right apart then lower control arm with jack and the spring should fall right out

Re: Swap out front coils
 

when replacing front springs it's the right time to replace ball joints too

Re: Swap out front coils
 

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=263423 :D

Re: Swap out front coils
 

Don't take them U-bolts off. Do the ball joint thing.....

Re: Swap out front coils
 

:Own: :o :phat:

Thanks for the replies all, I'll let ya know how it goes this weekend.

Re: Swap out front coils
 

:lol:
Good luck :D

Re: Swap out front coils
 

Support the a-arm remove u-bolts, remove shocks, lower jack, install new springs Poof! instant low rider.
I had the same question last week and I got several different responses. I just found this method to be the easiest and least involved.

Re: Swap out front coils
 

Good look'n truck! Thanks for the pics.
I am going the other way (stock BB coils replacing worn out stock SB coils)
No issues put'n those u bolts back in while compressing the spring?

Re: Swap out front coils
 

It wqasn't really a big deal. The jack takes all the pressure. I didn't pump the jack all the way tight, so I had a little Wiggle room to play with. the jack stand under the frame takes pressure off the suspension (wheel off the ground)

Re: Swap out front coils
 

Are you doing a disc brake install. Not that it matters. I took my spindle off to install disc brakes. I place a jack iunder the lower controll arm and once the spindle was off I lowered the jack down slowly. Spring fell right out. To install I just reversed the process. No spring compressor needed.
The first picture is with the spindle removed with the shock bolt holding it together until I place my jack under the arm.

Re: Swap out front coils
 

If you do drop the inner shaft there is a peg in the lower part of the u-clamp that must go in a hole in the shaft. It can be a hassle going back. I always take the lower ball joint loose. Then if the inner shaft bushings are bad you can take the control arm off after you pull the spring. The spring is stout & doesn't expand much. If you are doing this on a car you must use a spring compressor. Those springs just keep growing & growing.

Re: Swap out front coils
 

Thanks all, finished the job yesterday. All in all it took me a couple hours (with an oil and filter change thrown in for good measure). I went the u bolt route, put'n those back on was a bit of a trick. Get'n the arm up there was no big deal (jack under the spring cup), but aligning the shaft where it needed to be after the u bolts were started back on was fun.

I ended up prying between the rear frame cup (for the bar) and the inside of the rear arm pivot ear, pulling the bar back. (see attached image...thanks for the pic VDOG)

Gained an inch and a half at the bumper by going from SB 1/2 tons to BB 1/2 tons, couldn't be more stoked!

Re: Swap out front coils
 

Anytime. Hope you and your family were safe during the fires up there.

Re: Swap out front coils
 

Thanks man, it was a mess but we all came out unscathed...including all the San Diego family and friends.

Re: Swap out front coils
 

Glad to hear that. If you need more info let me know. Im still finding things I have to fix after lowering the truck.