Do I need a Coil Commpressor tool for reassembly?

[1971 Cheyenne]

I bought a spring compressor, but after messing with it a bit, I just throw it to the side and used the jack. Worked fine and I was able to put both sides in, all by myself, In around 45 mins.

[ChevyDude]

hey Guys n gals.... The wheels of progress seem to turn very slow for me but I now have my upper and lower TRW ball joints and control arm & bushing rebuild kits along with my upper and lower A arms all blasted and painted ready for reassembly. ECE 2.5" drop spindals have been painted and so has the Brake caliper. I have 2" Ground Force front coils which are beautifully powder coated in blue, to replace the stock coils for a 4.5" total drop in the front (back of truck is 4" drop). My question is: Do I need to buy some coil commpressors to make this reassembly safe and easy??? If so do I buy Exterior commpressors or Internal commpressors??? Any tips would be appreciated!!! I will snap some pics of all the paint work and the stance as soon as it goes back together.

Thanks....and happy Friday to ya!!!

[dallas71]

i did not use a compression tool when i installed mine....I had the lower ball joint disconnected from the spindle, installed the spring into the housing, put a jack under the lower contol arm and jacked the lower contol arm up (making sure that the upper spring set in the cup properly) and then attached the lower ball joint to the spindle....was really easy.....

[Joe67]

It can be done, but you can usually 'rent' compressors from local auto parts store for no charge.

[Longhorn Man]

There is no need for a compressor to remove or install the springs in these trucks.
In reality, with a dropped spring, you can pretty much just stick it in there nad swing the arm up. It'll hardly have any pressure on it at all.

[Joe67]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

There is no need for a compressor to remove or install the springs in these trucks.
In reality, with a dropped spring, you can pretty much just stick it in there nad swing the arm up. It'll hardly have any pressure on it at all.

When I removed the front springs from my '72 chassis a few weeks back, there was at least 3" of compression on them. Personally, I'll use a compressor, cheap insurance

[Longhorn Man]

Was it a 2 inch lowering spring?
I have removed hundreds of springs and installed just as many, never having a single problem. I'm willing to bet that if you look in any manual that is over 10 years old on these trucks...or any GM with simmilar front ends, they say nothing about a coil spring compresor. I may be wrong on that...but I'm willing to bet a punch in the gut.
As long as the spring seats in the pocket, and you use a floor jack (for the stock sized spring) then there will be no issues. If you are still scared, then chain it up.
Some of the lowering spings will actually be loose when the truck is lifted by the frame. It'll actually rattle in its pocket.

[Joe67]

It was the factory coil spring. I may not have had to, but I've heard one too many tales of springs causing harm...

Regarding the chain, that would have a negative effect on my powdercoated control arms

[flip66]

I did it the same way dallas71 did and it was really no big deal

[gonebad2]

I have a coil spring compressor but don't use it. If you really want to be safe, just run a heavy chain through the spring then through the hole in the center of the lower A arm and tie the chain together with a bolt. If it does come loose for some reason, it won't go anywhere.

[sactoC10]

I had to use coil spring compressors on my 1968 Mustang, and darn if those things are not just plain old evil!

With these trucks I've not yet found any reason to rent one, the coil springs come out and go back in fairly easier than in most vehicles. I am not saying that it is simple, it takes some maneuvering to get them seated properly into place. But once you've done it, you'll not worry about doing it again, at least not when installing drop springs.

[boraxman]

My front springs are cut, jack up the front and they almost fall out.

[ChevyDude]

Thanks for the input and advise guys!!! I believe I will reassemble the front carefully with a jack and not worry too much about the coil springs. Thanks again!