Guys, just took my 85 transam for MOT today.( yearly UK inspection) Failed, not really a shock there, (does anyone pass a car first time these days?) on Off Side Front coil spring broken.

Question is...do I need to replace them in pairs as I would do normally on the rear & how easy is it to do this ?

 

yes you need to replace springs in pairs, and it depends on how mechanically inclined you are, plus if you have the right tools

 

here's how i do it.

http://www.fl-thirdgen.org/frontspringswap.html

 

Thanks for the advice guys,much appreciated.:hail:

 

You make it look & sound so easy but for the life of me, I canNOT get those springs compressed enough to fit between the LCA and upper spring pocket. I even destroyed the spring compressor in the process (stripped the threads and seized up). I am trying to install a pair of stock '84 Z-28 front coils...

 

it takes a little effort to get it in. put the top in first. then slide the bottom into the pocket of the LCA. then using the bottle jack lift back in.

 

I try changing spring the way it was posted here and will never do it that way again. I suggest you take the two bolts off from the back side of the control arm off instead. Place a jack underneath while doing this. Once the two bolts are off lower the jack slowing and your spring will come out easy without any pressure. Note: Place a chain around the spring and control arm for safety while doing any work while springs are under pressure. To re-install the spring I suggest you put your two bolts one first, remove the "strut" screw from the top, lower the control arm (this time it will lower from the front), insert your new spring , with the jack still underneath slowly lift up and re- attach the strut on top.. and you are done! I've done this several time and many different ways and this is the easiest, fastest and safest. Happy springing