Help me install springs on bare frame. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

vanceman · 12-28-2010, 07:24 PM

How do y'all install front springs on a bare frame. I know a jack works on a complete truck, but not so good on a bare frame. Do I need a spring compressor, if so what style?
Thanks

cparman · 12-28-2010, 07:32 PM

IF, you have a way to secure the frame to the floor ( chain, or nylon strap ) then you can use the jack method. I really think that you need a spring compressor, and a good one! I have used the cheapies in the past, and was sweating bullets before I got done. I have , at my shop, a killer spring compressor that I bought thru Moog Chassis Parts. I will compress anything with this. You might go to your favorite parts store, and see if the rent tools. I cannot help with a picture of what not to use, but you really need to figure out the value of your head - - - incase you try to use a cheap coil spring compressor.

vanceman · 12-28-2010, 08:27 PM

I do not have a way to strap it down. I looked at O'reilys and they rent tools. They have two types of compressors one that looks like it goes inside the spring and one that goes outside the spring. Which one would you recommend?

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-28-2010, 08:36 PM

Spring compressors do not work well with these trucks. Just invite a couple of buddies over and have them sit on the front corner of the frame that you are working on. It should be enough weight to get the castle nut started. WES

mixermike · 12-28-2010, 08:44 PM

when we installed springs in my buddies car we made a T out of 2x4's and placed it on the frame to the ceiling of the garage. that way the frame would not go up when we jacked up the control arm.

Hubscrub · 12-28-2010, 10:44 PM

i done it with just pileing weight on the crossmember and some fussin what a pita maybe try a some bags of sack concrete?

ls1nova71 · 12-28-2010, 10:56 PM

I usually just swing the engine/trans back in the frame, even if you have to take it back out to run the brake lines and such. It doesn't get any easier to do than on a bare frame, and it won't move around like just piling weight on the frame, you don't even have to bolt it in, just let it sit there.

marenick · 12-29-2010, 10:56 PM

I installed my springs on a bare frame. I used a piece of chain and a 3 ton floor jack pass the chain up through the center on the spring just in case something was to slip. Install spindle onto the a arm and jack the lower up into place. you can do this safely it you take your time . I have only done this twice and it worked flawless but be safe because there is alot of power behind a loaded spring.

12-28-2010, 07:24 PM	#1
vanceman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 140	Help me install springs on bare frame. How do y'all install front springs on a bare frame. I know a jack works on a complete truck, but not so good on a bare frame. Do I need a spring compressor, if so what style? Thanks

12-28-2010, 07:32 PM	#2
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: Help me install springs on bare frame. IF, you have a way to secure the frame to the floor ( chain, or nylon strap ) then you can use the jack method. I really think that you need a spring compressor, and a good one! I have used the cheapies in the past, and was sweating bullets before I got done. I have , at my shop, a killer spring compressor that I bought thru Moog Chassis Parts. I will compress anything with this. You might go to your favorite parts store, and see if the rent tools. I cannot help with a picture of what not to use, but you really need to figure out the value of your head - - - incase you try to use a cheap coil spring compressor.

12-28-2010, 08:27 PM	#3
vanceman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 140	Re: Help me install springs on bare frame. I do not have a way to strap it down. I looked at O'reilys and they rent tools. They have two types of compressors one that looks like it goes inside the spring and one that goes outside the spring. Which one would you recommend?

12-28-2010, 08:36 PM	#4
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Re: Help me install springs on bare frame. Spring compressors do not work well with these trucks. Just invite a couple of buddies over and have them sit on the front corner of the frame that you are working on. It should be enough weight to get the castle nut started. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

12-28-2010, 08:44 PM	#5
mixermike Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 606	Re: Help me install springs on bare frame. when we installed springs in my buddies car we made a T out of 2x4's and placed it on the frame to the ceiling of the garage. that way the frame would not go up when we jacked up the control arm.

12-28-2010, 10:44 PM	#6
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Help me install springs on bare frame. i done it with just pileing weight on the crossmember and some fussin what a pita maybe try a some bags of sack concrete? __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14 Last edited by Hubscrub; 12-28-2010 at 10:46 PM.

12-28-2010, 10:56 PM	#7
ls1nova71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Independence Mo Posts: 4,118	Re: Help me install springs on bare frame. I usually just swing the engine/trans back in the frame, even if you have to take it back out to run the brake lines and such. It doesn't get any easier to do than on a bare frame, and it won't move around like just piling weight on the frame, you don't even have to bolt it in, just let it sit there.

12-29-2010, 10:56 PM	#8
marenick Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Halifax Nova Scotia Posts: 12	Re: Help me install springs on bare frame. I installed my springs on a bare frame. I used a piece of chain and a 3 ton floor jack pass the chain up through the center on the spring just in case something was to slip. Install spindle onto the a arm and jack the lower up into place. you can do this safely it you take your time . I have only done this twice and it worked flawless but be safe because there is alot of power behind a loaded spring.

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