New coil spring install

[jmsaunders]

Well my new coil springs came in yesterday. Here's a quick write up I did on installing them.

Wrenches
Breaker Bar
Coil spring compressor
Jacks
Jack stands
Grinder with cut off wheel
Penetrating oil

I decided to swap out my coils when I noticed they were cracked.


I started off by spraying down the bolts with penetrating oil for the last 2 days. I'm glad I did even though they were still a bear to get out and were rust welded. Once my strings arrived I went outside and sprayed them down once more and went to inspect my new springs and cups.

[jmsaunders]

Keeping saftey in mind I jacked up one side and put in jack stands. I didn't lift the wheel off the ground. I lifted it just enough to take some of the pressure off the spring. I forgot to get a picture of the next step but I used a spring compressor to keep them from popping and flying out when I cut them.
I made sure that i cut the spring in the part that was compressed to help minimize any accidents. I then removed all the old spring and the cups. Some of the cups I had to cut off as they were SERIOUSLY rust welded into place.

Using the other side as a guide I oriented and installed the new coil.

[jmsaunders]

The second side went way quicker once I had an idea of what I was doing. I wasn't planning on lowering my truck but now I think I will. Apparently the old springs were sagging. The new springs (stock height) raised the back end up 2" (GRRRRRRRR)

[elf w/capital T]

When you put the springs on, i see the flat side of the retainers facing outboard....or maybe inboard?...but how'd you place the spring end? And identity the top and bottom of the spring?