Changing Rear Coil Springs - NEED ADVICE

[TobyArnot]

Hello all,

I need some advice on changing the rear coils on my '70. If I support the frame rails on jack stands and leave the rear wheels on the floor, can I use a floor jack to lower the back end of the trailing arms? Would I need to raise the wheels/axle up above floor level to get the trailing arms down? Not sure my jack stands will go that high.
I have already removed the shocks and upper mounts. I am installing 4" drop springs along with a 33" track bar kit and drop shocks.

Thanks for any input !

[crapy67]

Thats how I put my rear 4 inch springs in, I put the stands under the frame rails and lowered the rear with the jack.

[Cole Trickle]

jack stands on the frame forward of the trailing arms and a floor jack under the pumpkin should work.

I just did this last weekend and didnt have any issues. I had to use the floor jack to move the rear end up so I could attach the upper springs to the cups/frame.

[72BlckButy]

IIRC, we used 2 sets of stands... two for the frame and one to support the rearend higher than just on the jack. We also had the jack under the pumpkin for backup.

[geezer#99]

Also throw your tires and rims under the truck close to your jackstands. If one fails (I've seen them slip) your truck won't land on the axle. Also block the front tires to stop any front to back movement. A bit of overkill but worth your time.

[gkesseru]

I leave the wheels on the ground.
Block front wheels. Disconnect one end of the shocks, and remove the bolts from the springs. Put a floor jack under the crossmember and jack up truck to loosen springs.
Don't lift too much or else you'll harm the brake hose.
Use jack stands under the frame for safety before getting under. Using this method you can raise/lower the rear end of the truck without the springs in to measure what the shock travel is.