Replacing rear coils - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dubie · 04-19-2002, 03:10 PM

My new coils will be here on Monday. Do you guys have any words of wisdom, or warning before I get into this job?

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72 C/10 LWB 2wd
250 inline 6, 3 speed column shift. Soon to have a total facelift.

Nichboy · 04-19-2002, 03:31 PM

Did it about a month ago on a 71 SWB. Jack the frame up to take tension off the springs and take them off. It was a piece of cake.
(now that i think about it i may have had the bed off during this install) still isn't difficult.

dubie · 04-19-2002, 03:37 PM

The bed will be off mine when i do this as well. Just wondering how hard it was to get the old hardware off. With 30 years of rust and wear, it might not be as easy as I thought.

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72 C/10 LWB 2wd
250 inline 6, 3 speed column shift. Soon to have a total facelift.

68ChevC10 · 04-19-2002, 03:55 PM

Be ready to go to the parts store to buy replacement bolts. I torqued two bolts in two, plus one non-Craftsman ratchet adapter when I replaced my rear springs.

You gotta love the ride after doing the work, though.

68ChevC10

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1968 Chevrolet C10 Stepside. My driver. Aint life cool.

69Burb · 04-19-2002, 07:04 PM

I helped a friend change his rear coils on a 67 pickup, we couldn't get the coil spring retainer bolts out to save our lives. This was using an impact wrench. Another friend suggested using a torch to heat the bolts and then let them cool and try again. The impact wrench backed them out like they were installed yesterday! I'll use that little trick when its time to do my own, beats a lot of cussing! Good luck
Steve

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69 suburban 307/3 on the tree, on its way to 350/350turbo olympia WA

*Gee_Emm* · 04-19-2002, 10:27 PM

Start soaking the bolts with penetrating oil now.

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1969 Chevrolet Custom Camper 20 350/400 70k original miles, 99% rust free

They have the Internet on Computers now? --Homer Simpson

Gee_Emm's Page

Vote for my truck to be on the label of a bottle of Jones Soda!!!

69 longhorn · 04-19-2002, 10:41 PM

Here in illinois,we have a lot of salt dumped on the roads. I just lite the torch(I like fire anyway!),& figure on new hardware...69 longhorn.

68 Suburban · 04-19-2002, 10:44 PM

Do springs really wear out? Will new springs make that much of a difference?

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Longhorn Man · 04-19-2002, 10:52 PM

The ride height on the front of my GMC looks a little lower than it should be, and it bottoms out real easy...even when the shocks were new.
Althoguh, I think it is from gross over loading of the truck.
------------------
'69 G.M.C. 350/350. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man
I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it.
FINALLY got the HORNIAC...a '70 one ton Longhorn with a Pontiac 350/350 and lots of 'personality'. Check out The Longhorn Webite.
If you need a pic posted, E-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com
Andy, in Columbus Ohio

[This message has been edited by longhornmail (edited April 19, 2002).]

Alexis · 04-19-2002, 10:59 PM

where glasses cause i know your going to have shet flying all around and most likly it going to go in your eye, you might want to put some grease on the saddles so it doesnt make noises, never know

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Mechanic @ California Concept
Britney: 1970 2wd K/5 Blazer (Frame up)
Jessica: 1967 2wd SWB (pops daily driver)
Helga: 1972 4x4 3/4ton LWB (my daily driver)

AIM:Alexmart1
Mountain View, Cali

Baradium · 04-19-2002, 11:06 PM

*always* buy new hardware when you are replacing suspension components. I don't care how *good* the old bolts might look, if they fail it could be a life or death situation. It's *much* more important with leaf springs than coils, but still... is the cost of a few bolts worth the chance that you could lose your life?

69 longhorn · 04-19-2002, 11:09 PM

Also,remember....grade 8 hardware on suspension parts.....69

stllookn · 04-20-2002, 12:47 AM

One big 1/2 inch drive socket and cheater bar and they will just snap off! Took mine off and replaced them with 2x4's on edge...looks really cool but does not ride worth s#!t...LOL!

stllookn · 04-20-2002, 12:47 AM

One big 1/2 inch drive socket and cheater bar and they will just snap off! Took mine off and replaced them with 2x4's on edge...looks really cool but does not ride worth s#!t...LOL!

lost wages · 04-21-2002, 01:48 AM

i drilled a hole in the frame directly above the top spring retainer nut just big enough for an extension, then place socket on nut and put extension through frame into socket, made it a lot easier to tighten and loosen the top bolts, bottom is easy to get to.

dubie · 04-22-2002, 08:07 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys. I went out to the cabin and drenched the bolts in penetrating oil so they'll be good and ready to come off.
68Suburban: I would never be replacing them, except I had one that snapped on the top coil right under the keeper, so now, everytime you hit a bump, the coil bangs against the frame.
The bed and front clip will eb coming off in about 2 weeks so I can do the suspension work and swap the inline out for a 350. Thanks again guys

------------------
72 C/10 LWB 2wd
250 inline 6, 3 speed column shift. Soon to have a total facelift.

04-19-2002, 03:10 PM	#1
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	Replacing rear coils My new coils will be here on Monday. Do you guys have any words of wisdom, or warning before I get into this job? ------------------ 72 C/10 LWB 2wd 250 inline 6, 3 speed column shift. Soon to have a total facelift. __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

04-19-2002, 03:31 PM	#2
Nichboy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Oklahoma City Oklahoma Posts: 173	Did it about a month ago on a 71 SWB. Jack the frame up to take tension off the springs and take them off. It was a piece of cake. (now that i think about it i may have had the bed off during this install) still isn't difficult. __________________ 1971 Chevy SWB Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

04-19-2002, 03:37 PM	#3
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	The bed will be off mine when i do this as well. Just wondering how hard it was to get the old hardware off. With 30 years of rust and wear, it might not be as easy as I thought. ------------------ 72 C/10 LWB 2wd 250 inline 6, 3 speed column shift. Soon to have a total facelift. __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

04-19-2002, 03:55 PM	#4
68ChevC10 I am Kayser Soze Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 116	Be ready to go to the parts store to buy replacement bolts. I torqued two bolts in two, plus one non-Craftsman ratchet adapter when I replaced my rear springs. You gotta love the ride after doing the work, though. 68ChevC10 ------------------ 1968 Chevrolet C10 Stepside. My driver. Aint life cool. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C10 Stepside. My driver. Ain't life cool.

04-19-2002, 07:04 PM	#5
69Burb Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: olympia, WA Posts: 33	I helped a friend change his rear coils on a 67 pickup, we couldn't get the coil spring retainer bolts out to save our lives. This was using an impact wrench. Another friend suggested using a torch to heat the bolts and then let them cool and try again. The impact wrench backed them out like they were installed yesterday! I'll use that little trick when its time to do my own, beats a lot of cussing! Good luck Steve ------------------ 69 suburban 307/3 on the tree, on its way to 350/350turbo olympia WA __________________ 69 suburban 307/3 on the tree, on its way to 350/350turbo olympia WA

04-19-2002, 10:27 PM	#6
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 3,991	Start soaking the bolts with penetrating oil now. ------------------ 1969 Chevrolet Custom Camper 20 350/400 70k original miles, 99% rust free They have the Internet on Computers now? --Homer Simpson Gee_Emm's Page Vote for my truck to be on the label of a bottle of Jones Soda!!!

04-19-2002, 10:41 PM	#7
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Here in illinois,we have a lot of salt dumped on the roads. I just lite the torch(I like fire anyway!),& figure on new hardware...69 longhorn. __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

04-19-2002, 10:44 PM	#8
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	Do springs really wear out? Will new springs make that much of a difference? ------------------ Check out other members trucks 1968 50th Anniversary C-10 Suburban (Tows all these cars all over the place) 1968 50th Anniversary C-10 Pickup 1968 50th Anniversary C-20 Pickup CST, FOR SALE 1969 SS Camaro Conv't 1960 Lakewood Travel Trailer 1963 Ford Falcon Wagon, On Ebay for $1250 2000 Chevy Malibu (Suppose to be daily driver, but the Burb is) Phoenix, AZ. Click Here for Parts and Venicles I have Available THINGS I AM LOOKING FOR: 67-68 SUBURBAN TRIM. $$$$ Reward for finding the 3rd door trim piece and the small piece that goes on the 1/4 panel right behind the 3rd door. __________________ Just sitting here contemplating contemplation.

04-19-2002, 10:52 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	The ride height on the front of my GMC looks a little lower than it should be, and it bottoms out real easy...even when the shocks were new. Althoguh, I think it is from gross over loading of the truck. ------------------ '69 G.M.C. 350/350. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. FINALLY got the HORNIAC...a '70 one ton Longhorn with a Pontiac 350/350 and lots of 'personality'. Check out The Longhorn Webite. If you need a pic posted, E-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com Andy, in Columbus Ohio [This message has been edited by longhornmail (edited April 19, 2002).]

04-19-2002, 10:59 PM	#10
Alexis Member since 2000 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico Posts: 7,874	where glasses cause i know your going to have shet flying all around and most likly it going to go in your eye, you might want to put some grease on the saddles so it doesnt make noises, never know ------------------ Mechanic @ California Concept Britney: 1970 2wd K/5 Blazer (Frame up) Jessica: 1967 2wd SWB (pops daily driver) Helga: 1972 4x4 3/4ton LWB (my daily driver) AIM:Alexmart1 Mountain View, Cali

04-19-2002, 11:06 PM	#11
Baradium Binder Rep Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salcha, AK Posts: 1,506	always buy new hardware when you are replacing suspension components. I don't care how good the old bolts might look, if they fail it could be a life or death situation. It's much more important with leaf springs than coils, but still... is the cost of a few bolts worth the chance that you could lose your life?

04-19-2002, 11:09 PM	#12
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Also,remember....grade 8 hardware on suspension parts.....69 __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

04-20-2002, 12:47 AM	#13
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	One big 1/2 inch drive socket and cheater bar and they will just snap off! Took mine off and replaced them with 2x4's on edge...looks really cool but does not ride worth s#!t...LOL! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

04-21-2002, 01:48 AM	#15
lost wages Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: jefferson city, mo Posts: 1,364	i drilled a hole in the frame directly above the top spring retainer nut just big enough for an extension, then place socket on nut and put extension through frame into socket, made it a lot easier to tighten and loosen the top bolts, bottom is easy to get to.

04-22-2002, 08:07 AM	#16
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	Thanks for all the advice guys. I went out to the cabin and drenched the bolts in penetrating oil so they'll be good and ready to come off. 68Suburban: I would never be replacing them, except I had one that snapped on the top coil right under the keeper, so now, everytime you hit a bump, the coil bangs against the frame. The bed and front clip will eb coming off in about 2 weeks so I can do the suspension work and swap the inline out for a 350. Thanks again guys ------------------ 72 C/10 LWB 2wd 250 inline 6, 3 speed column shift. Soon to have a total facelift. __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795



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