coil spring installation - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cobrajet21 · 03-10-2009, 09:41 PM

I'm having an awful hard time putting thes front springs in. where does the end of the top of the spring go in relation to that D shaped thing in the crossmember. These are 1 1/2" lowering springs. Every time i think i have them in i tighten the nut on the lower ball joint but i can still move the spring around on the bottom and the top pops out. i'm bout ready to tear up something. i've never done this before and just don't know what the i'm doin.

STOCKISH · 03-10-2009, 09:51 PM

Dont worry too much about where the spring sits in the top during the install process. If you get the spring set into the lower control arm properly (only goes in one way) the top wont have an option but to be in properly. Good luck.

Longhorn Man · 03-10-2009, 09:59 PM

they normally rattle around like that at full unload. Bolting up the shock will help lessen that if I remember right

Andy4639 · 03-10-2009, 10:09 PM

That's what I remember too! Once the spring is in, start tightening everything up and put the floor jack under the a-arm and jack it up enough to install the shock it will get better.

pumpgas · 03-10-2009, 10:26 PM

FWIW when I did just a 1" drop spring and 2 1/2" spindles I was able to lift the lower arm into position by hand. So I would have to say that a 1 1/2" spring is going to be a little shorter and possible be a little loose until you get weight on it. Just make sure to get the lower part of the spring in the correct location (small divit in lower A-arm) and you should be golden for the top.

03-10-2009, 09:41 PM	#1
cobrajet21 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Danville, VA Posts: 122	coil spring installation I'm having an awful hard time putting thes front springs in. where does the end of the top of the spring go in relation to that D shaped thing in the crossmember. These are 1 1/2" lowering springs. Every time i think i have them in i tighten the nut on the lower ball joint but i can still move the spring around on the bottom and the top pops out. i'm bout ready to tear up something. i've never done this before and just don't know what the i'm doin.

03-10-2009, 09:51 PM	#2
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: coil spring installation Dont worry too much about where the spring sits in the top during the install process. If you get the spring set into the lower control arm properly (only goes in one way) the top wont have an option but to be in properly. Good luck. __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

03-10-2009, 09:59 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: coil spring installation they normally rattle around like that at full unload. Bolting up the shock will help lessen that if I remember right

03-10-2009, 10:09 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: coil spring installation That's what I remember too! Once the spring is in, start tightening everything up and put the floor jack under the a-arm and jack it up enough to install the shock it will get better. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-10-2009, 10:26 PM	#5
pumpgas Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indiana Posts: 304	Re: coil spring installation FWIW when I did just a 1" drop spring and 2 1/2" spindles I was able to lift the lower arm into position by hand. So I would have to say that a 1 1/2" spring is going to be a little shorter and possible be a little loose until you get weight on it. Just make sure to get the lower part of the spring in the correct location (small divit in lower A-arm) and you should be golden for the top. __________________ 00' Z28 ("wifes" car) 92' Mustang w/sbc everything needs a little heart beat 87' GMC Sierra Classic Short Bed Fleet side almost stock 69' Chevy short step carbed 6.0 w/400th trans. Completed w/325 miles on it



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