Are the Front springs loaded?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

VanceH · 06-06-2009, 09:17 AM

I was told by my father in law that the front springs were loaded? If you just took the a-arm assembly apart they would explode??? any truth

cdowns · 06-06-2009, 09:21 AM

not really // if you have a jack under lower control arm and after you seperate balljoint you slowly lower jack and the spring cofalls out // BUT it does make a clunk when it hits the floor

VanceH · 06-06-2009, 09:29 AM

cool the 68 c20 has lower front springs so i thought about swapping them out

Shyguy · 06-06-2009, 09:31 AM

No, they will not explode.

That being said, caution should be taken when working on a front end. I usually use jack stands on the frame and a floor jack under the "A" arm when dis-assembling.

Now struts on the other hand, which are used on newer vehicles, require spring compressors durning dis-assembly of front-end parts.

Danny

glock35ipsc · 06-06-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shyguy

No, they will not explode.

That being said, caution should be taken when working on a front end. I usually use jack stands on the frame and a floor jack under the "A" arm when dis-assembling.

^^ This.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

BUT it does make a clunk when it hits the floor

LONGHAIR · 06-06-2009, 11:08 AM

Explode? No, but they are "loaded". It is not much compression as far as length, but there is quite a bit of pressure involved. Even after the ball-joint is seperated from the lower control arm and lowered, there is still some pressure because the spring is "trapped" in the pocket of the lower arm. You may have to pry it out and it will probably "pop" out.

PanelDeland · 06-06-2009, 10:25 AM

They wont explode but you'll think they did if you just pop them loose without a jack under them.They are under compression and will expand at a rapid rate usually leaving the spring pockets and scaring the crap outta ya if not knocking you out.They can cause serious injury.

Longhorn Man · 06-06-2009, 02:53 PM

this train of though is due to the struts used in cars for the last 30 years almost. People 'forget' what they don't see, and this is one of them.
As others said already, place the truck on jack stands, and the floor jack under the lower control arm, and then pop the lower ball joint off. Lower the jack and it'll fall out. It may jump 6 inches out, but that's it.

see ten · 06-06-2009, 07:36 PM

Link to vids I made showing how to remove and replace front coils...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=worthless

VanceH · 06-07-2009, 09:05 AM

Thanks a bunch this will help me out. I am hoping to have the engine in this week, then i can change out the springs!! thanks again
vance

06-06-2009, 09:17 AM	#1
VanceH Loving the Jimmster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Emmett, idaho Posts: 575	Are the Front springs loaded?? I was told by my father in law that the front springs were loaded? If you just took the a-arm assembly apart they would explode??? any truth

06-06-2009, 09:21 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Are the Front springs loaded?? not really // if you have a jack under lower control arm and after you seperate balljoint you slowly lower jack and the spring cofalls out // BUT it does make a clunk when it hits the floor __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

06-06-2009, 09:29 AM	#3
VanceH Loving the Jimmster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Emmett, idaho Posts: 575	Re: Are the Front springs loaded?? cool the 68 c20 has lower front springs so i thought about swapping them out

06-06-2009, 09:31 AM	#4
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Are the Front springs loaded?? No, they will not explode. That being said, caution should be taken when working on a front end. I usually use jack stands on the frame and a floor jack under the "A" arm when dis-assembling. Now struts on the other hand, which are used on newer vehicles, require spring compressors durning dis-assembly of front-end parts. Danny __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

06-06-2009, 10:25 AM	#7
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Are the Front springs loaded?? They wont explode but you'll think they did if you just pop them loose without a jack under them.They are under compression and will expand at a rapid rate usually leaving the spring pockets and scaring the crap outta ya if not knocking you out.They can cause serious injury. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 06-06-2009 at 10:25 AM.

06-06-2009, 02:53 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Are the Front springs loaded?? this train of though is due to the struts used in cars for the last 30 years almost. People 'forget' what they don't see, and this is one of them. As others said already, place the truck on jack stands, and the floor jack under the lower control arm, and then pop the lower ball joint off. Lower the jack and it'll fall out. It may jump 6 inches out, but that's it.

06-06-2009, 07:36 PM	#9
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: Are the Front springs loaded?? Link to vids I made showing how to remove and replace front coils... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=worthless

06-07-2009, 09:05 AM	#10
VanceH Loving the Jimmster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Emmett, idaho Posts: 575	Re: Are the Front springs loaded?? Thanks a bunch this will help me out. I am hoping to have the engine in this week, then i can change out the springs!! thanks again vance



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