87 1ton 2wd- Front end work

[smarthead]

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]

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]

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]

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.