87 1ton 2wd- Front end work - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

smarthead · 05-09-2011, 11:59 AM

Hi Guys ,

I have been reading over the form for a while and thought well i am going to write something up !

I am stuck right now with a job were are doing in the shop,

We have a 1 ton 2wd, we put all NEW control arm (uppers and lowers) plus we are putting new coil springs in to, so here is the issue we put all this new stuff in and well what is the best way to get the control arm tubes up to the sub frame to put the u-bolts on with out the spring jumping out and killing someone ?

Just with the 1 ton hd springs it's not very fun to work with !! LOL

Any help would be Great !!!

Thanks again for your help

-Nick

**old Rusty C10** · 05-09-2011, 09:00 PM

ive always on these trucks and all gm products have iinstalled springs with the LCA attached and used the weight of the truck to allow the springs to seat.. you may have to compress them slightly with a spring compressor

gchemist · 05-09-2011, 09:19 PM

You need to install all the A-arms first. Then use a floor jack on the lower a-arm to compress the coil. When the coil is in place and before compressing, use a strap or chain to hold it in place. Leave the strap on until the spidal is tightened down.

**N2TRUX** · 05-09-2011, 09:21 PM

Another option is to use a transmission jack if the truck is on a lift. First install the upper arm to the crossmember, hang the spindle, and attach the lower arm to the spindle too. Set the spring in the pocket, and swing the lower arm in place. Use the tranny jack to compress the lower arm and spring until you can attach the u-bolts.

I have never done it on a 1 ton, but it will work on a 1/2 ton.

05-09-2011, 11:59 AM	#1
smarthead Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 1	87 1ton 2wd- Front end work Hi Guys , I have been reading over the form for a while and thought well i am going to write something up ! I am stuck right now with a job were are doing in the shop, We have a 1 ton 2wd, we put all NEW control arm (uppers and lowers) plus we are putting new coil springs in to, so here is the issue we put all this new stuff in and well what is the best way to get the control arm tubes up to the sub frame to put the u-bolts on with out the spring jumping out and killing someone ? Just with the 1 ton hd springs it's not very fun to work with !! LOL Any help would be Great !!! Thanks again for your help -Nick

05-09-2011, 09:00 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,284	Re: 87 1ton 2wd- Front end work ive always on these trucks and all gm products have iinstalled springs with the LCA attached and used the weight of the truck to allow the springs to seat.. you may have to compress them slightly with a spring compressor __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

05-09-2011, 09:19 PM	#3
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: 87 1ton 2wd- Front end work You need to install all the A-arms first. Then use a floor jack on the lower a-arm to compress the coil. When the coil is in place and before compressing, use a strap or chain to hold it in place. Leave the strap on until the spidal is tightened down. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

05-09-2011, 09:21 PM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 87 1ton 2wd- Front end work Another option is to use a transmission jack if the truck is on a lift. First install the upper arm to the crossmember, hang the spindle, and attach the lower arm to the spindle too. Set the spring in the pocket, and swing the lower arm in place. Use the tranny jack to compress the lower arm and spring until you can attach the u-bolts. I have never done it on a 1 ton, but it will work on a 1/2 ton. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



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