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#1 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allen, TX
Posts: 188
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Hello everyone, i come to you guys today with 2 questions:
1) Has anyone removed a coil spring using a jack? I know on the Buick's u can slowly lower the lowers's with a hydraulic jack, and the spring will fully release tension, and safely fall out..... ____-what about these trucks? can you do the same or will the spring slip out of its pocket and become a missile? haha 2) USING A CUT OFF WHEEL how muck spring have u guys removed to how much drop you can get?? ie: 1" of cut coil=7/8 drop Just trying to prepair for my over haul.... staring in 2 weeks !!! ![]() THANKS!!! Last edited by cr34t3d_by_d4rkd3n; 05-30-2011 at 04:57 AM. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Posts: 106
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
each coil cut should get you around 2 inches, I wouldnt cut more than one in mho. That is how I take my springs out but I am sure it isnt recomended, of course make sure you undo the ball joint first lol.
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 30
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
I have removed my 87 c10 springs in that manner safely. I agree, only cut 1 coil, then buy the lowered spring if you want it lowered any farther. AND CUT using a cut off wheel, not a torch or not a plasma cutter.
Just my opinion. $149 and less for a dropped coil spring. Coil Reasoning: In short, by cutting the spring, you change the physics of the spring. It was explained to me this way: "No you don't change the steel, no you don't change IT- IT is still a spring. You change the leverage of the spring. Pull the coil spring straight, you have a lever. Cut a coil length off the now straight spring and you have less leverage. It will be more difficult to lift your object. Coil the spring back up. You have just increased the resistance of your spring. Enjoy your bouncy ride." One coil, no big deal. The more you cut, the more bounce you will get, the less affective your spring will be. Cut until you have 2 coils left. You might as well be riding on blocks of steel or take the springs out. Have I tried 2 coils? no. I ride on air. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Goldsboro, NC
Posts: 179
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
1 full coil cut off = ~ 2". Use a cut-off wheel. The ride is fine.
For safety, I run a chain through my coil spring and slowly lower LCA with a floor jack until spring is unloaded to keep coil spring from flying out. Lot of stored energy there. Will probably still have to spread control arms apart with a pry bar to get the coil out. |
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#5 |
Robert Olson Transport
![]() Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: recent transplant to NC USA
Posts: 20,288
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
i agree with the pry bar... ive done it three times now on my trucks
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Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Houston
Posts: 970
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
Man I guess I just dont do it safe. I use a BFH and tension to get the ball joints to drop out.
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2014 LTZ Z71 Silverado 82 C15 LQ4/4L80E Conversion 78 Suburban build (SOLD) 83 4x4 Suburban(SOLD) 82 C15 (my first truck) Last edited by Cherub; 05-30-2011 at 11:56 AM. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: New Hamburg, Ontario
Posts: 220
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
one guy with his foot pushing down the lower arm, then you yank it out. easy for me to do
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: los angeles
Posts: 1,132
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
When I took my springs out, even with the ball joints removed, and the lca pushed as far down as it would go, i still had to use a pry bar to get the OG spring to pop out.
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#9 | |||||
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allen, TX
Posts: 188
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I planned on running a chain thru the spring so if it were to "spring off" is would be stopped by the chain. I bought some 5200lb test with 5/8 Hardened hardware. Quote:
Quote:
THANKS!! |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Goldsboro, NC
Posts: 179
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
Yes, usually with full coil, you will still have to force the LCA down to remove it. It can also be forced down by hand. Of course, when you cut some off, it should be easier to remove next time.
One full coil is the "O". Don't mean to confuse, but one downfall to cutting half a coil is getting the bottom coil to seat into the pre-formed recess of the LCA. When you re-install the coil, you'll see what I mean. Last edited by JAG66; 05-30-2011 at 10:05 PM. |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Houston
Posts: 970
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
Naw, to get the ball joints to drop out of the spindel.
__________________
2014 LTZ Z71 Silverado 82 C15 LQ4/4L80E Conversion 78 Suburban build (SOLD) 83 4x4 Suburban(SOLD) 82 C15 (my first truck) |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Sonora California
Posts: 860
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
Sorry to go away from the popular vote. I'd never cut a spring again.
Put the spring in a press for example compress 1" heat as needed the second from the top coil, 3/4 around until the 1" come out of it and cool in your 5 gallon waste oil bucket. 1" shorter is a 1" drop. I say heat the second from the top so the coils do not contact each other when compressed. Any more than one inch buy the 2" coils and go from there. I did only 5/8" off a new spring and got just that. Again sorry to go against the popular vote of cut vs heat. Heating done correctly is better. |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Goldsboro, NC
Posts: 179
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
I use a Snap On air hammer kit with a pickle fork attachment. Takes about 5 seconds to break it loose. But the BFH works too.....about an 8 pounder. May take several hits. You'll know it when it comes out. Watch the fenders BTW.....
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#14 | |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
Quote:
The method you have described is exactly what you should NOT do. By applying excessive heat to the spring, you have diminished the molecular integrity of the metal. The heating and the rapid cooling or "quenching" process will make the steel brittle and eventually lead to collapse or breaking. Just because you have done it in a manner that is known to be unsafe and got away with it, please don't try to promote your improper practices to those that might not know better.
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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Geelong, Victoria
Posts: 26
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Re: Spring Removal/Cutting tips??
I have always removed my springs by loosening the lower ball joint nut so its flush with the top of the thread. Then hit the spindle around where the ball joint passes through with a decent hammer. The tension on the spring will pop the lower control arm down, but it will only go so far as the nut will stop it from flying right down. Then just put your jack under the lca, jack it up to take the tension back off the ball joint nut, remove it, then slowly lower the jack.
Dont hit the top of the ball joint nut down. It will just make a mess of the nut. |
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