Hi,
I am trying to install my Moog 5664 front springs with Umi's tubular a-arms and have a few questions. Do I need to index the springs? I know the stock a-arms have 2 drain holes that the end of the spring should sit between, but the Umi a-arms do not that these. Also, does anybody have any tips as to how I can get these springs installed? I don't know how many times the spring compressor has slipped off of the spring today.

 

put the open end of the spring to the rear of the pocket, in the center.

What compresser are you using? i never had any problems Installing these springs.

 

This one:
http://toolsandmore.us/index.asp?Pag...ROD&ProdID=331

 

I've never used the one you show, so I can't comment on it. Post #3 in the following link, however, shows the one that most members use, including me. It's always worked, but the whole business of compressing springs scares the heck out of me. I'd recommend a chair through the spring and arm for a bit of protection/safety.

JamesC

 

make that a CHAIN

 

dust3r; I have that same one and have never gotten it to work on any of my thirdgens. Either the "claws" end up stuck between the spring and pocket or the threaded end sticks out farthur than the spring. It works really well on longer springs, though.

 

I've never needed a spring compressor at all (not even on stock springs), on the front springs, just used the chain for safety. And of course, never needed a compressor on the rear springs either.

 

I have UMI's control arms with my stock 1LE springs. I used the same spring compressor you showed (free rental at AutoZone). I indexed the springs as per stock and taped the insulators on the springs with electrical tape. When using that compressor I installed it with the fingers pointing straight towards the center of the car and as close to the inner edge as possible. The screw has to be as vertical as possible. With this technique it pulled the spring into a slight curve that made it easier to install.

 

Should I be compressing the spring before I stick it between the a-arm and k-member, or should I place the spring in the a-arm, jack up the a-arm, and then use the spring compressor?

 

I installed the spring onto the control arm while the arm was off of the car. If your arms are installed you should loosen the bolts and pivot them until they are hanging straight down. You can then install the spring onto the arm, compress, and swing it up into place. And don't forget to retighten the control arm bolts.

 

Thanks guys! I will try again tomorrow! I will be sure to post up pics when my suspension/brake upgrading is complete.

 

Actually, I always use a chair. Fitting a leg or two in the spring, of course, is very difficult and time consuming, but well worth the effort .

JamesC

 

i got a good laugh out of you chair suggestion and this response. Thanks!

 

I use a chair too.
Instructions for use of chair:
1. Place chair near vehicle.
2. sit on chair (drinking your choice of beverage) and watch friends work on
Vehicle while you give "Pointers".
3. Your friends wont always approve of this use of a chair, but I find feeding
them steak and beer will help!
LOL.

 

ive tryed this method but all its ever gotten me is friends leaving or a bunch of people with a hang over the next day and still the same work to do the next day

 

LOL, it takes lots of practice to perfect this technique. Dont give up and remember, at the least; It is a whole lot of fun.

 

i have been gettin frustrated with this. the tubular a-arms are flat unlike the stockers so the sring slidestoward the outside of the car and then doesnt sit in the a-arm right. any suggestions for this?

EDIT: nevermind used tie downs that some one suggested on another post. wish i would have found it on friday and had a impac gun, arms are a killin me