installing coil springs

Stephen,
  I've sent a PM with the info you requested. Yes, it's possible to remove/install the front springs without the weight of the engine, you just need some other form of ballast. A couple of very hefty friends, or, as I did, several concrete mix bags and one hefty friend. I sent my phone # with the PM, just call if you need clarification or encouragement. The spring tool will be on it's way to you on Monday. No need for money, you just send them back when done.

Terry

With the engine and transmission out it's easy to remove the springs in a trunnion car without compressing them as there isn't much tension on them. However to reinstall them they have to be compressed. I take them to a spring shop which compresses and bands them for $40 a pair. You can then put them in position, bring up the lower control arm/trunnion to hold them in place, then snip the steel bands.

I had to compress my 68 AMX 390 original front coil springs 5-1/2" to remove them. See picture.

Scott's statement about only needing to compress the coil spring 4" got me to thinking. My 68 AMX came with a/c, ps, power disc brakes which could imply the springs are different depending on what options the AMX came with. After removing the undercoating from the springs I could see patches of paint on the coils: turquoise, red, and white. This may imply the colors were code for different factory options so the assembly line would know what AMX got a certain designated coil spring. I went back and measured how much I compressed the springs and it was indeed a  bit over 5". I probably compressed them a little bit more than needed because they did come out easily without a struggle. BTW, I purchased Scott's book. It is very well written and covers banding the front coil springs in detail with clarity. Highly recommend. 

Edited by AMXFSTBK390 - Aug/23/2018 at 9:52pm