Is it just me??? Or did anyone else have all kids of hell getting sportline lowering springs in with new umi a arms? I have tryed everything except a spring compressor for 2 days now and I can't get the springs in.
Is there a trick to this that I am completly missing? anyone have pics or 1st hand expierence with lowering springs and umi or other aftermarket a arms that you wouldn't mind sharing.
I have searched and found many different methods but nothing seems to be working. I guess I'm gonna play rocket spring roulette with a spring compressor tomorrow

 

I've always used a spring compressor when doing springs. If you get a quality made one and a little common sense their plenty safe. When I did mine the compressor wouldn't compress the spring enough so I had to use a jack under the a arm to be able to get the strut to line up with the spindle. Also make sure the spring is seated properly top and bottom, read my thread a few down titled "car leans" and you'll see what I mean lol...

 

Thanks for the info. That eases my mind a little about the spring compressors. And I'll be sure to check both top and bottom. And glad you found the problem on your car.

 

Yeah just make sure you get a good one I've seen some with cheesy looking arms that hook into the springs. Make sure it's for regular springs and not for one where the spring is on the strut itself, they're different compressors. Also AutoZone and most other parts stores have a loaner tool deal where you put down a deposit, you get it back when you bring their tool back in one piece. They'll have the compressor and quite a few other specialty tools if you ever need them.

 

I have never used a spring compressor period. Not to take out springs nor put springs in to lower a 3rd gen or a full sized Tahoe. And not even to put lifting springs in a Jeep. And never had a spring launch.

 

I was eyeing a spring compressor at a swap meet several years ago, when an old fellow asked me if my dental insurance was up to date.

Use care and a chain for safety's sake.

JamesC

 

thats what I did. I rented one from Advance Auto. The one for coil springs only. It seems to be good quality so hopefully it will do the job. I'll give it a go tomorrow and post what happens.

 

I replaced my stock front springs with Eiback Prolines without a spring compressor.

Installed polyurethane A-arm bushes at the same time.

I'd definitely use a rope of chain to stop them flying out.

Lower the A arm to allow the sprint to sit in the top and bottom pockets, then use a trolley jack to lift the A arm to where you can bolt it into the strut.

 

I don't know, maybe I was doing it wrong. I guess this is how you learn.

 

I probably would have used a spring compressor if I had one, might have made it easier.

 

haha well I'll let you know if it's easier or not tomorrow. I'll either have springs installed or a broken face

 

It's essential you throw a rope or chain around the spring and thru the A arm where it bolts to the cross-member.

Do this to both remove and install the coil springs.

 

lol

 

I just use a crowbar. Seat the top of the spring, shove a crowbar under it and anchor the far end above the spring seat in the A-arm. Pull up on it and slide the spring down the crowbar with your feet, when it gets over the area you need it, pull the crowbar out and hold the spring there with your feet.

The next time I have my springs out Im taking pictures and making a video so people can see how to do it.

I couldnt get the spring compressor to work in my case. It was one of those dual 2-claw contraptions on a large bolt. I used the crowbar method out of pure frustration at being unable to get anything else to work and I can get both the front springs in there with minimal effort in less than 20 minutes with a beer break in there. Most of that time is just jacking up the a-arm and installing/removing chains and so on.

 

Ok my face is still intact haha. I did not use the spring compressor. every time I compressed the spring the tool would shift and bow the spring. So I wraped rope around the spring in the a arm seat and jacked up the a arm under the ball joint area. jacked it up enough to get the strut bolts in the knuckle. Then I used a pry bar and pryed the bottom of the spring into the pocket.
But the edge of the coil was not up against the "ramp" looking part in the spring seat. Is this going to cause a problem with the height? I have UMI A Arms not stock. The edge of the coil is about 1/2" from the "ramp"

 

If 1 spring lines up & the other doesn't? Then you can end up with 1 side higher. Too far off & you could end up with a "nose high" car that you desire it to sit lower. 1/2" off shouldn't cause too much of a "nose high" effect, but only 1 way to find out! lol

 

I think when I pryed on the bottom of the spring it moved it a little. Before it was right in line it just needed to be moved back and after I pryed it back it was 1/2" off. I guess after I can get it on level ground and have drove it a few times I'll check it to see how far off it may be. It was the drivers side. The pass. side went in dead on the money.