09-06-2010, 10:49 PM | #1 |
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Location: Vancouver, WA
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Spring compression
I am upgrading to the 2-1/2" drop spindles and am keeping the stock springs. I have rented a few spring compressors from local auto parts stores. They work but the bolt in the middle is too long and I cannot get it out of the middle without compressing it again to get it out. Should I be looking for a shorter bolt unit? Do I need a spring compressor with a one inch drop spring? I do not want a big drop. My arms have gotten a workout today.
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Vancouver Bob |
09-07-2010, 12:36 AM | #2 |
I really hate wet sanding!
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Re: Spring compression
If you are only wanting to install new spindles, there is no need to remove the springs from the truck. Put the truck on jack stands (on frame of truck), remove cotter pins from both ball joints, loosen both ball joint nuts about 3 or 4 turns (make sure you don't loosen them too much, leave some threads exposed outside the nuts, get a BFH, smack the crap out of the old spindle near the area of the lower ball joint to pop the ball joints loose, put a floor jack under the lower a arm to take pressure off spindle, remove ball joint nuts, lift up on upper arm to free spindle, install new spindle and your done.
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Jeff, 68 C-10 75 C-20, now a C-10! 10 F-150 |
09-07-2010, 01:15 AM | #3 |
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Re: Spring compression
The only thing that I would do differently is put the floor jack loosely under the control arm, before using the BFH.
Just in case there is some kind of freak, catastrophic failure with 1 of the ball joints.
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09-07-2010, 01:24 AM | #4 |
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Re: Spring compression
Mine is a 3/4 ton so the springs are longer and stronger and I followed the suggestions above and it worked great. No need for a compressor.
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09-07-2010, 01:38 AM | #5 | |
I really hate wet sanding!
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Re: Spring compression
Quote:
Posted via Mobile Device
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09-07-2010, 01:57 PM | #6 |
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Re: Spring compression
To add even more safety run a chain thru the spring and bolt the ends together.
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09-07-2010, 07:41 PM | #7 |
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Location: Vancouver, WA
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Re: Spring compression
Sorry, I have a powdercoated frame I am working with. No engine or other weight on it. I wonder how the factory workers did it? I will look at rental places tomorrow to see if they have any compressors with a shorter center bolt.
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Vancouver Bob |
08-04-2012, 05:53 PM | #8 |
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Re: Spring compression
Still have not installed the front springs. Did get 1 inch drop springs and plan on using the engine and transmission weight to compress them. Will that work? Just don't like the spring compressors I see at the auto parts store. How did the factory do it?
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