How do I replace the rear coils?

[grs]

What is the procedure to replace the rear coil springs on a 64.

[NEWFISHER]

Find the center bolt at the bottom of the trailing arm. if it looks to be in decent shape, start using penetrating oil tonight. if it's rusty, order some new ones. Support the frame, pull the tires/wheels and I support the trailing arm with a floor jack at the rear. I believe its a 9/16 that you have been oiling and zapped with an air wrench will come apart, if not then grab the torch. Lower the floor jack/trailing arm and remove the spring. There is an upper plate that it will set into, twist the spring and it falls out if I remember correctly.

[grs]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Find the center bolt at the bottom of the trailing arm. if it looks to be in decent shape, start using penetrating oil tonight. if it's rusty, order some new ones. Support the frame, pull the tires/wheels and I support the trailing arm with a floor jack at the rear. I believe its a 9/16 that you have been oiling and zapped with an air wrench will come apart, if not then grab the torch. Lower the floor jack/trailing arm and remove the spring. There is an upper plate that it will set into, twist the spring and it falls out if I remember correctly.

Does the upper bolt have to come out to get the spring out of a plate that looks like the one on the bottom?

[dougf]

Yes, I had to remove my top also. Be aware that these cups that hold the spring on top and bottom rust like crazy, you will at least have to replace the bolts/washers/nuts.

[grs]

Originally Posted by dougf

Yes, I had to remove my top also. Be aware that these cups that hold the spring on top and bottom rust like crazy, you will at least have to replace the bolts/washers/nuts.

Thanks. I ordered new cups, and bolts. I hope the bolts are number 8. I ordered 4 in lower coils, and shorter shocks from CPP also. Do the cups have to be turned in a certain way? I know the springs do.

[NEWFISHER]

Yes there is a bolt from the inside lip of the frame holding the cup if I remember. Just take a pic of the direction of the cup or a drawing. It will be easy and make sense once you get the wheels off and look.

[grs]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Find the center bolt at the bottom of the trailing arm. if it looks to be in decent shape, start using penetrating oil tonight. if it's rusty, order some new ones. Support the frame, pull the tires/wheels and I support the trailing arm with a floor jack at the rear. I believe its a 9/16 that you have been oiling and zapped with an air wrench will come apart, if not then grab the torch. Lower the floor jack/trailing arm and remove the spring. There is an upper plate that it will set into, twist the spring and it falls out if I remember correctly.

Can I lower the rear end far enough to get an impact wrench ,and a long extension thru the spring to loosen the bolt in the top. It looks like I may have to take off the rear brake hose.

[grs]

Well my impact wrench isn't powerful enough to loosen the upper bolts, so I will pay a shop to do it. But first I may borrow an impact from AutoZone. It may be strong enough to do the job. My compressor only has 125 psi.

[Grizz1963]

Looks like we are in for fun and games tomorrow.

No impact wrench for starters.

Have oiled up everything the last two days.....

[Grizz1963]

Thought I would copy and paste directly from my build thread here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=585901

In case it is of use to anyone else doing a search.

These forums are great for info sharing.

I think after the ease with which the rear end came undone, that preparation a few days before with penetrating oils on all the nuts and bolt ends is vital

have been losing sleep the last few days about getting the the rear springs and shocks off the truck and the new ones fitted after our battle with Martins last weekend.

This week I used SAS20 penetrating fluid three times to get the nuts and bolts all oiled up.



Today I contacted Darren from Unit Engineering to offer him a 4 post, 3000kg lift for £200.00 but interestingly he had also bought one last week.

One thing led to another in our text chat and I mentioned tonight's projected job and anticipated pain.......

"I have a battery powered Rattle Gun you can use." he offered, so after work I went down to his industrial unit (large engineering shop) had a coffee, chat and guided tour of some of his toys. Then asked if I could buy some solid ally from him to remake my lowering blocks....... come with me he said and back into the engineering shop we went.......

"Here, have these"



So with Rattle gun in hand I came home.



After Martin and Ian got in we had a coffee, then I started the fire and handed over to Ian while Martin and I went to the garage.

Back end went up and Rattle gun came out........ EFFORTLESS !!!








OLD vs NEW



Springs and shocks removed



The shocks come with a variety of steel sleeves, and I needed to cut two down to make them fit. Then grind down the sides of the bushes a bit for a tight fit.



New parts fitted and locked down.



OOOOOHHHHH YESSSS !!!!

1.5" drop........ now that had my face hurting from all the grinning.





Not bad for 90 minutes worth of effort.



Checked the level with a spirit level and the load bed is flat straight.

Now I want 2.5" dropped spindles on the front to go with the drums......... Can you get dropped spindles to go on drums??






Next up, tomorrow morning we need to drive back to Martins place 15 miles from here to fetch the new front brake hoses from his truck as he is going Disc brakes next, and to get some fresh brake fluid, then redo the trucks front shock lower bolts as I bought new high tensile bolts this week, as the originals were badly rusted and one was too short.

Last thing will be a decent road test, and some daylight photos of the truck to show the current stance.

[grs]

Well I paid a shop to lower my truck. He did a great job.

[earl84]

That is a nice looking truck, grs.

[grs]

Originally Posted by earl84

That is a nice looking truck, grs.

Thanks. I am trying to sell it. It will take a while, because I have a lot of money in it.