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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 228
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4/6 Drop Problem
Been working on my 4" drop on the front of my '71. First of all I cant seem to get a coil spring compressor in there to compress the spring. I've tried the one that goes up inside the spring as well as the compressor that is two outside rods. I'm wondering if positioning a floor jack under the lower control arm before breaking the ball joints loose would be enough to contain the spring.
Second issue is the cotter pins through the ball joint castle nuts. They we so deteriorated that one has now broken off flush with the outside edge of the nut. I have two choices, POSSIBLY drill through or actually grind the rivets of the upper ball joint off. Any insights will be much appreciated. __________________
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Steve My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=morning+glory 1971 C10 Inline 6 250 700R4 "Marlene" 1934 Chevrolet Master Sedan 350 700R4 "Iris" 1941 Ford 1/2 Ton 5.0 H.O Roller C-4 "Rose" 2019 Honda Ridgeline |
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#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Belews Creek , NC
Posts: 4,220
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Re: 4/6 Drop Problem
I don't know the best answer as I have never installed such short springs, but I could see where it may be an issue with a standard spring compressor. You can do the jack but be super careful that it does not slip. As far as the cotter pin you could try a small punch or just drill it out.
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Larry It is easily overlooked that what is now called vintage was once brand new. "Project 68" paypal.me/ldgrant |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Grand Ledge, MI
Posts: 32
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Re: 4/6 Drop Problem
Did mine with a floor jack recently, had zero issues doing it that way. Knock the cotter pin out with a small screwdriver and hammer. Or the cotter pin should just bust off when you loosen the nut with a wrench.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,717
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Re: 4/6 Drop Problem
A punch should be able to fix your cotter pin keys, and as mentioned above, a floor jack can remove the stock length springs. Should go in easy with the new, lower coils and no compressor.
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Carlos MN
Posts: 2,042
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Re: 4/6 Drop Problem
Put a chain around the spring thru the a-arm so it can't come flying out.
Ball joint nuts, Just hammer the socket onto the nut then just loosen. The cotter pin will just shear off. A bit crude but it works every time. |
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#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 228
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Re: 4/6 Drop Problem
LS Short Box. THATS thinkin' ! I can use a chain off my load level on the engine hoist. Thanks
__________________
Steve My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=morning+glory 1971 C10 Inline 6 250 700R4 "Marlene" 1934 Chevrolet Master Sedan 350 700R4 "Iris" 1941 Ford 1/2 Ton 5.0 H.O Roller C-4 "Rose" 2019 Honda Ridgeline |
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#7 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: 4/6 Drop Problem
When using the jack method, leave the nut on the upper ball joint, and on the lower ball joint just back it off 1/2" or so, so when you smack it with a hammer to release the ball joint you don't risk stuff flying.
Once the lower ball joint is loose, you can slowly lower the jack. If you have a sway bar, unhook it first before you do anything, also unhook the shock. These items can actually keep the lower control arm from lowering enough to release the spring. Also, when loosening the sway bar, do it with the truck level on it's weight. Learned that lesson... that ***** can pop when off kilter.
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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