I just got new springs and im wondering if they need to go in a certain way when installing. Which direction should the cut end face when sitting in the a-arm? I've read mixed reports about it some say facing out some in. I'd just like a definitive answer so I do it right.

Thanks!

 

Check post #5 of the link below for pics:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...nsion-how.html

JamesC

 

That thread didn't exist the last time I changed springs. I'm actually swapping to lowering springs right now, and I discovered that I had put the "flat end" in the A-arm pockets when I installed the ones I'm now removing .

The thread JamesC points to says that's upside down. The Haynes manual only says the end of the lower coil should completley cover one of the two "drain" holes that are next to each other in the A-arm spring pocket shown in the thread pic. No reference as to where the other end is in the upper pocket.

Not sure why the thread directs you to separate the lower ball joint. It can easily be done without doing that. I just did it literally last night...placed car on stnds under frame, disconnected my sway bar end link, Place hyd jack under A-arm between both pivot bushings, remove bolts from pivot bushings, and slowly lower hyd jack. It's that easy. -using a compressor to slightly compress the spring prior does help a little, but can most likely be done that way without one....you'll just need to drop the A-arm lower to get it unsprung.

 

I already put the springs in I was just making sure I had them in right, which I don't. I followed the shop manual for an 85 (which I assume is the same for my 91) and it said to do it the pivot bolt way. Just didn't specify how the spring needs to sit.

 

Well, that sucks. Did you put the flat part down? They actualy work either way...ask me how I know.
Or was in that they aren't clocked right? (Between drain holes in A-arm?) You'd think an actual shop manual should cover that...all I have is a cheapo Haynes manual that's falling apart.

I'll be installing mine today, so I'm glad I ran across this post!

 

Hopefully the springs are indexed properly, as Confuzed mentions above, or the car won't sit correctly.

JamesC

 

No I definitely have it flat part up im just not sure I have it rotated to the correct position. It took me 4 hours yesterday to do both front springs (3 for one side 1 for the other since I learned from the first side) so maybe I can get them indexed right in a good 2 hours.

 

Its much easier the second time around. The cut end needs to be indexed in between the holes. I just tie a rope or cable around before i let it pop out, sometimes it needs motivation if they are stock length.

 

I just got done getting the DS spring in. It took about two hours...only because after I got the first bolt in on the front of the A-arm, I looked and it almost seemed too short...so I looked at the other bolt I was getting ready to put into the rear of the A-arm, and I stupidly thought it seemed longer. So I removed the bolt I put in and compared the two...DON'T BE FOOLED...they are both the same length!! Duh....

Of course, the bolt didn't go back in near as easy as it went in the first time...but I got it in and the DS is now DONE....now off to the PS...

EDIT: These front lowering springs (Eibach Sportlines) are a good 4" shorter than the stockers I had in....a huge difference!! I don't know, but if I go strictly by spring length - this thing might end up slammed in front more than I want it!!

 

Thats why i just cut my stock ones plus the price of em

 

Alright so in reference to the picture on post #5 of the link JamesC posted, the very end of the spring should go exactly where the fingertip is pointing?

 

idk i put mine in between the holes cause thats where they were when i took them out

 

That's where it should be....

 

Well, I'll post a pic of my stockers along with the Eibachs I'm installing....a huge difference. I understand the price though...after you spend what I have on your ride, you don't bother cutting springs. I would have cut off AT LEAST two full coils to come close to matching the height of these...and no, I'm not claiming thier any better than cut springs...

 

The spring end should be centered between the holes, covering one.

JamesC

 

Yes....and it can also "partially" cover the other hole. lol

 

True. My suggestion was ideal. Here's what the manual says to end any confusion/doubt lol:

"After assembly, end of spring coil must cover all or part of one inspection drain hole. The other hole must be partly exposed or completely uncovered."

JamesC

 

It's all how you read it. The way I read it is, fully exposed OR partially is "ideal"...i.e. within acceptable specs....

In all actuality, it's apparent where the indention is in the A-arm...the end of the coil should sit inside that indention fulley or wholey...(are those even words?)..lol

 

Great, looks like I've got some work to do.

 

Now that I look at the page in my shop manual it does say to index the spring over one the two drain holes.



Also stock versus Eibach Sportline front springs:

 

just cut 3 coils out of those eibachs and you'll be good.

 

Not really keen on cutting something I just spent that much on

If I don't like these after a week or so I'll send them back to Jegs and get stock Moog replacements and cut them...

Or cut my old ones duh.

 

Lol, might as well just forget installing springs and let the car sit on the bumpstops. 3 coils is a bit much

 

I am in the process of doing my front end but to stock. Changing to new springs, ball joints, and A arm bushings so mine is completely disassembled right now. My new coil springs are marked with paint on one end. The box says that end goes to the top. MOOG 5606's...