Safely removing rear coils

[jonathan-m]

Now I've decided I think I want to do some lowering blocks in the back too, cause I'm on a roll...
Problem is I'll have to lower the front first or the back'll be lower than the front, so I think I'm going to try cutting one front coil now (funny how starting one project opens up twice as many new projects huh lol)

I guess the new title of this thread should be how to safely remove front coils

Now, I've read through several threads on here about cutting coils, so I've got the basics steps down, but heres were I'm a little unsure:
My truck has been upgraded to disk brakes & power steering in the front, so I'm guessing my control arms/ front coils may be different than stock. Also, when I bought the truck the PO said it had 2 inch drop spindles, but even after googling it, I'm not entirely sure what a drop spindle is so I'm not sure if he was telling the truth or not or if drop spindles would cause any surprises in the coil removal procedure.

As I understand it, to remove the front coils without a spring compressor I need to jack the truck up under the control arm, then place a stand under the frame nearby. then disconnect the shock, and the sway bar which is this thing (right?)



Then, disconnect the ball joint, this thing (is this very difficult? anything a newbie couldn't do?)


then slowly lower the jack so that it lets pressure off of the control arm,releasing tension from the coil. Once thats done, you hit the lower arm with a BFH a couple times and the coil should fall out...... I'm a right so far?


Sorry for all the questions guys. I don't have anyone close to me to teach me these things since my dad passed so I've been learning everything I can from you guys over the past couple years. I just want to make sure I'm getting everything right.

[65Custom]

The first pic is the tie rod end
THe second pic is the upper ball joint

there is a lower ball joint too on the bottom

It is recommended that you use a spring compressor to remove the front springs as you can get hurt pretty good if you dont know what you are doing

The drop spindle is where the disc is

and yes use a hammer to get the lower or upper ball joint to come loose but I recommend getting a spring compressor some parts stores will rent them to you

[jonathan-m]

Originally Posted by 65Custom

The first pic is the tie rod end
THe second pic is the upper ball joint

there is a lower ball joint too on the bottom

It is recommended that you use a spring compressor to remove the front springs as you can get hurt pretty good if you dont know what you are doing

The drop spindle is where the disc is

and yes use a hammer to get the lower or upper ball joint to come loose but I recommend getting a spring compressor some parts stores will rent them to you

Hmmm, which one is the sway bar then? I didn't see anything else connected to the control arm or disk. maybe I missed it though.
I figured I would loop some chain through the coil and anchor it to something under there to minimize the risk of surprises as well.