Spring compressor for front BBC front Coils

[JimKshortstep4x4]

What spring compressor is needed to install the front heavy duty coils on a 72 C-10? My compressor will not work.

Thanks,

Jim

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by JimKshortstep4x4

What spring compressor is needed to install the front heavy duty coils on a 72 C-10? My compressor will not work.

Thanks,

Jim

You need an internal compressor, so you can remove it from underneath after install. I bought this and more or less tested it on an old coil spring. You need some kind of shims to use it, I found 4-5 grade 8 nuts work pretty well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If your truck is otherwise built you shouldn't need a compressor. Use a floor jack under the lower control arm instead. I bought mine because it's just a frame, no weight. That said, I decided to wait until after the engine is installed and try to do without the compressor.

Whatever you do secure the coil spring on install, such as a chain securing the coil to the control arm, for just in case.

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Tony, thanks for the reply! I will probably just wait until I get the BB in the frame. Right now the front end of just the frame is not heavy enough to work and my existing compressor will not fit through the hole in the lower a arm!

Jim

[weq92f]

.
If you really want to get it done now... Autozone will let your borrow their tools:


Coil spring compressor:
https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...ing-compressor

Strut spring compressor:
https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...ing-compressor

Either of those would work. One on the outside and the other on the inside. Basically you pay for the tool retail price ( deposit ) and then return it for a full refund when you're finished using it.

BTW, these compressors scare the crap out of me! Especially the two piece type where you're tightening down two different bolts to compress the spring. That's only when you're installing new springs though. If you just want them out to do other work, the compression is already in the spring, the "compressor" is simply going to hold it there while you R&R the same spring.

I typically remove the springs using the weight of the truck/car as mentioned. But I have used these to replace old springs with new. That's when things get sketchy/scary for me.

Hth,

-klb

[demian5]

That is scary stuff compressing coil springs and installing in vehicle without a motor trans or front clip. I've done it before. Id wait or at least set something about 700 lbs on the front of the frame and do it like there is an engine.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by weq92f

.
If you really want to get it done now... Autozone will let your borrow their tools:


Coil spring compressor:
https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...ing-compressor

Strut spring compressor:
https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...ing-compressor

Either of those would work. One on the outside and the other on the inside. Basically you pay for the tool retail price ( deposit ) and then return it for a full refund when you're finished using it.

BTW, these compressors scare the crap out of me! Especially the two piece type where you're tightening down two different bolts to compress the spring. That's only when you're installing new springs though. If you just want them out to do other work, the compression is already in the spring, the "compressor" is simply going to hold it there while you R&R the same spring.

I typically remove the springs using the weight of the truck/car as mentioned. But I have used these to replace old springs with new. That's when things get sketchy/scary for me.

Hth,

-klb

I didn't realize some external compressors worked was well, must be enough clearance.

I'm with you, I compressed my old spring an inch or so just to see. Takes some turns even an inch. Everything went smooth and square but NOPE, didn't like it one bit. That and the pain protecting the surface of the new one.

I'm hoping I can slide them in cleanly with the weight of the engine and floor jack. If that's short then my 220 Lb. son can perch on top of the frame. If that's short it strikes me some blocks under the opposite frame rail may counter................um, something

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have an internal spring compressor which works great on the SBC but if I install the tool then I cannot get it back out as the larger diameter coils don't leave enough room to maneuver the compressor out once the coil is compressed.

Jim

[jbarron]

Yes you can borrow the parts from the parts house. I prefer the one with a fork.

I find it easier to unhook the lower A-arm at the cross member and use a jack to hold it back in place. Spring stays mostly unloaded doing this.

[davepl]

I used an internal 2- or 3- arm that goes up the middle. Chain everything up and stay far away from it, and so not use an impact.