Hi there,

Trying to install my front coil springs and like a lot of others, I'm having some trouble with it. I have the correct spring compressor and I've been trying to get the spring in, but haven't had any luck. I'm wondering if I'm going about it the wrong way. I've tried to put the top of the spring in place first, then run the tool through the bottom of the a-arm and then try to compress the spring. Is this the correct method? Or should I be seating the bottom of the spring in the a-arm with the correct index, then compress the spring enough so that I can swing the a-am up in place, then decompress the spring so that its in the pocket? I've used the length of pipe and also used a block of wood under the a-arm, but no luck. If someone knows of a good youtube video on how to do this, it would be helpful. The ones I've seen so far have been either for struts or other applications.

Thanks

Kevin

 

I am going to join you to see what they come up with. I need to change my A arm bushings and I am pretty sure the springs must come out.

 

I have done springs a few times an never used a spring compressor, once the a arm is dropped i use a small jack under the front edge of the a arm to bump it up slowly once the spring is installed to make sure it is seated correct.

 

I'm having a little trouble envisioning what you are doing. I'll tell you what I do:

I start off by spacing the clamp closest to the head of the threaded rod up some. IIRC maybe an inch and a half. Some people cut the threaded rod. If you don't do this, the rod will extend past the top of the compressed spring and will hit the upper spring pocket.I slide the compressor into the spring. I put the arms of the compressor maybe 1.5 coils down from each end so that the compressor won't get caught in the spring pocket.
I compress the spring right up to where the top coils are almost even with the threaded rod (or just far enough to where you know the spring will fit, whichever is less). I then put the spring indexed properly into the a arm, carefully.. then I carefully jack the arm up and pass bolts through to the strut and spin the nuts on by hand.
I check that the spring is still indexed properly on the bottom pocket. Then I carefully loosen spring compressor. Sometimes it gets jammed in there (in a compressed coil) and I have been known to whack the arms out of the coil to get it out.

That's what I do, going by memory. I might have forgotten some details, but I have done this several times following that general procedure and it's worked for me.

 

I just did front a rear springs this past saturday. Look at my post and it will give you an idea how I did mine. https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...-work-day.html In the second post, you will see how I compressed the spring to get it out and back in. Made it nice doing it this way because you will have the spring indexed on the control arm and it wont move while putting it back on the car. I still had to use a jack as a helper to get the control arms bolt holes lined up but didnt have problems doing it this way. I rented the spring compressor from oreilys auto parts. I would of bought since its a nice compressor but this would of been the only time I used it.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Pablo, it took me about 20 minutes to get it in using your method.

 

Yes sir I will also try that method thanks for sharing.

 

Cool, glad to hear it worked for you

 

I installed mine wtihout a compressor. Install the spring into the pocket. wrap a safety chain around the spring in case it slips. jack the car up as far as you can until the car starts to come off the ground. The bolt holes will need another inch or two so go to the opposite end and slowly jack it up a little at a time until the bolt holes line up.

 

fidelis, Here is where I learned the best way to install coils on a Camaro. You can either listen to knowitall's or make your own decisions.

Notice #8

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...ml#post2739756

 

if you have iroc/ws6 spring you wont need to compress them. Regular v8 springs need a spring compressor as they are longer

 

Nope. I have WS6 springs and they definitely wouldn't even fit into the pocket without a compressor. I have heard of jacking the engine/ bushing side of the LCA to get them in but then you get to put your face near the whole mess to slip the bolts in and then if the jack slips it's lights out...
Lowering springs may go in depending on height, but WS6 springs will not. Pablo's method worked for me without a hitch when I did my A arm bushings, but I had the other side done after I found a local shop that would do it for a reasonable cost so I wouldn't have to sit there and sweat blood for 45 minutes. If the springs ever come out again weight jacks will be going in, as it's not something I'd ever want to do again. But yes, it can be done with a compressor.

 

Ive had both WS6 springs as well as regular V8 springs. The WS6 springs were DEF easier. And the V8 springs, while a little longer, seem easier to compress the first couple inches.

Ive always left the control arm loosely bolted (you are waiting for full weight on the wheels before tightening the arm bolts right?), wrapped a chain around the bottom coil, and slowly let the control arm pivot down. In ALL cases the spring will just fall right now. Not shoot out... Fall out. Going back in, its just a matter of bumping the first coil into place, chain wrap, and start jacking.

The Eibach springs I have now all but remove/install themselves.

Maybe all my years dealing with my Jeep and doing spring swaps or removing them for whatever reason has made me more comfortable working with them haha. But Ive never had an issue doing it this way. Of course...if you are comfortable using a compressor and can do it that way...thats the way you should go!

Glad you got it worked out OP!

J.