Rear Coil Spring removal? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kens65fb · 04-14-2021, 08:12 AM

I'm about to install rear drop springs in my 64.

I was able to remove the upper coil spring retainer and bolt without too much trouble, but the lower retainer gave me fits.

I raised the frame to get the tension of the spring, and it was clear by about an inch.

I was not able to get a socket on the lower bolt as it was partially recessed into the control arm, is this normal?

Should there be a washer between the bolt and the control arm

How do you remove the lower retainer??

roll_the_dice · 04-14-2021, 09:15 AM

I've been thinking of changing my springs too and it always looks easy, but 50+ years of those bolts hanging on makes it tough I am sure. I am sure you have seen this, but you can see he struggled too...spring removal starts at around the 3:15 mark.

chevy c10 4''drop on rear - YouTube

kens65fb · 04-14-2021, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I've been thinking of changing my springs too and it always looks easy, but 50+ years of those bolts hanging on makes it tough I am sure. I am sure you have seen this, but you can see he struggled too...spring removal starts at around the 3:15 mark.

chevy c10 4''drop on rear - YouTube

I did watch that video, and he was able to get a socket on the bottom bolt.
The bottom bolts on my springs , are partially recessed into the control arm, and I cannot get enough of a bite with a 3/4 socket.

**The Rocknrod** · 04-14-2021, 09:53 AM

Your going to havle to cut them out or drill them out. Maybe drill the heads off?
I'd remove the upper bolts, the trailing arms bolts (to the cross-member) and work on them off the truck. But that's just me.

kens65fb · 04-14-2021, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Your going to havle to cut them out or drill them out. Maybe drill the heads off?
I'd remove the upper bolts, the trailing arms bolts (to the cross-member) and work on them off the truck. But that's just me.

I wonder if there should be some type of washer between the bolt & control arm, so the bolt doesn't bury itself, then you can get a socket on it.

**The Rocknrod** · 04-14-2021, 10:53 AM

I would.

**pdxhall** · 04-14-2021, 11:03 AM

If the bolts are as you said, you will probably need new lower spring perches and bolts. If the hole in the control arm is buggered out a washer may work but you will know what's going on when you get it torn apart. I cut mine out and replaced everything.

roll_the_dice · 04-14-2021, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Your going to havle to cut them out or drill them out. Maybe drill the heads off?
I'd remove the upper bolts, the trailing arms bolts (to the cross-member) and work on them off the truck. But that's just me.

That's a good idea...beats laying on your back doing it!

**lolife99** · 04-14-2021, 11:52 AM

I always start rear spring removal but cutting the spring with a cutoff wheel and getting it out of the way.
Remove the shock and lower the rearend so you can get in there and work.
Everyone tries to save the old spring.
Make things easy on yourself.
Just my 2 cents.

**cwcarpenter98** · 04-14-2021, 12:28 PM

I have a washer on the underside of the spring bolt that goes through the trailing arm.
After 50+ years, the washer could have rusted away or broke apart

Heater63 · 04-15-2021, 06:36 PM

Everything needs to be replaced with NEW, so cut everything...torch or wheel.

**Riverstory** · 04-15-2021, 11:38 PM

I used a breaker bar with a 4' cheater pipe. Came right off. No sense in cutting when you don't have to.

forestb · 04-16-2021, 04:08 PM

Have you tied spinning the coil. If you can spin the coil and the bottom bolt stays in place then you should be able to get it out.

04-14-2021, 08:12 AM	#1
kens65fb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Dallas, PA Posts: 551	Rear Coil Spring removal? I'm about to install rear drop springs in my 64. I was able to remove the upper coil spring retainer and bolt without too much trouble, but the lower retainer gave me fits. I raised the frame to get the tension of the spring, and it was clear by about an inch. I was not able to get a socket on the lower bolt as it was partially recessed into the control arm, is this normal? Should there be a washer between the bolt and the control arm How do you remove the lower retainer?? Last edited by kens65fb; 04-14-2021 at 08:22 AM. Reason: ...

04-14-2021, 09:53 AM	#4
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Rear Coil Spring removal? Your going to havle to cut them out or drill them out. Maybe drill the heads off? I'd remove the upper bolts, the trailing arms bolts (to the cross-member) and work on them off the truck. But that's just me. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

04-14-2021, 10:53 AM	#6
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Rear Coil Spring removal? I would. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

04-14-2021, 11:03 AM	#7
pdxhall Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 2,084	Re: Rear Coil Spring removal? If the bolts are as you said, you will probably need new lower spring perches and bolts. If the hole in the control arm is buggered out a washer may work but you will know what's going on when you get it torn apart. I cut mine out and replaced everything. __________________ Sanity'66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=515110 Long bed, Fleetside, Small back window I've Done So Much, With So Little, For So Long, That Now I Can Do Anything With Nothing.

04-14-2021, 11:52 AM	#9
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Rear Coil Spring removal? I always start rear spring removal but cutting the spring with a cutoff wheel and getting it out of the way. Remove the shock and lower the rearend so you can get in there and work. Everyone tries to save the old spring. Make things easy on yourself. Just my 2 cents. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

04-14-2021, 12:28 PM	#10
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,491	Re: Rear Coil Spring removal? I have a washer on the underside of the spring bolt that goes through the trailing arm. After 50+ years, the washer could have rusted away or broke apart __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

04-15-2021, 06:36 PM	#11
Heater63 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: N Texas Posts: 580	Re: Rear Coil Spring removal? Everything needs to be replaced with NEW, so cut everything...torch or wheel. __________________ 292 + TKO500

04-15-2021, 11:38 PM	#12
Riverstory Registered User Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Lake Havasu City AZ Posts: 142	Re: Rear Coil Spring removal? I used a breaker bar with a 4' cheater pipe. Came right off. No sense in cutting when you don't have to.

04-16-2021, 04:08 PM	#13
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,619	Re: Rear Coil Spring removal? Have you tied spinning the coil. If you can spin the coil and the bottom bolt stays in place then you should be able to get it out.



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