Removing coil springs (front end is already out)

[Dembones]

Looking for a little wisdom here. . . .

I have the front suspension removed from 70 C10 and need to remove the coil springs in order to disassemble and completely restore. (In the future, I’ll certainly be removing the springs the easy way with a jack while the suspension is still in the truck. But for now, this is not an option.)

I've come up with the following four options. None seem great. Hoping someone's done this and can point me in the right direction.

1) Use an internal spring compressor. This sounds straightforward, but finding a compressor that works is the problem. All I've found are larger than the 2” hole in the lower control arm and won’t work. If someone could please reply with the make and model of a compressor that has worked for them under these circumstances, I’d be very grateful.

2) Rig-up a system using ratcheting tie-down straps and a floor jack to release the tension on the LCA, detach the LCA and slowly release the spring. Sounds super risky. If anyone’s actually done this and could reply with a picture or explanation, that would be very helpful.

3) Cut the springs with a torch. Sounds good. Since I’m not going to be using the springs again, destroying them is not an issue. My concern is whether the heat from the torch will be enough to reduce the energy in the stored spring when it’s cut loose. Has anyone done this? How did it go?

4) Fabricate a spring compressor using a threaded rod and steel plate. Anyone done this? If so, could you send a picture or explain how you did it.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom you can send my way.

[kwmech]

Since you are not using the springs over, then the torch would be the easiest. Other than that I would roll that thing outside and remove the top A arm nut and smack the side of the spindle with a big ball peen to separate. It will jump, but you have the weight of the x-member and the spindle to absorb the energy. Just be careful

[Happy_dan]

When being reused, every time I see it done, it's cut with a torch

[BigBird05]

Cut the springs. It's the safest way to go.

[NGN]

Mine where torched, each spring had two torch cuts just to loosen up good. Had the same problem, I tried two spring compressor tools but they did not fit, so it was torch time. But I'm still interested to know if there's a correct tool out there to use for removal and installation.
NGN
Nick

[Dembones]

Great advice. Thanks!

[Sheepdip]

Mine was also off the donor truck.....
I took mine out with 2 pieces of 1-5/8' x 1-5/8" slotted uni-strut 1 top 1 bottom with 1/2 all thread rod both sides

Loosen the ball joint nuts with 1/4" gaps, pop your ball joints loose, install the strut and all thread both sides (top/bottom), pull the strut to the control arms by adjusting the 1/2" nuts until they start to compress the control arms, remove ball joint nuts and start backing off the 1/2" nuts until the strut relaxes, it only has to go about 3-4"

You can use angle iron instead of the strut, I'd stay away from flat bar unless it's real heavy.

[Dembones]

Excellent piece of wisdom.
I followed your advice and removed the springs very easily.
Thank you!