Your donations help keep this valuable resource free and growing. Thank you.
|
Front Coil Spring Removal |
Post Reply | Page <123> |
Author | |
TX390AMX
AMC Addicted Joined: Dec/27/2012 Location: Indiana Status: Offline Points: 803 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
X2 on the use of a lift or even the frame rails of the car to compress the tool/spring combo. I find that using the lift method gives me more control. It's pretty easy (and important) to keep the spring square/vertical under the lift arms, I always use a piece of 2x6 under the spring, it's less likely to let the tool/spring slip than if its just sitting on concrete. In any case, have a healthy respect for the energy stored in that compressed spring. Do it once or twice and you'll be an old hand, but NEVER get complacent about the potential danger.
|
|
Terry
68 AMX 390 4 Sp Rally Green 68 AMX 390 4 Sp Matador Red 68 AMX 390 4 Sp Calcutta Russet 56 Chevy Sedan Delivery 2016 Can AM Spyder 55 Chev pickup |
|
knightflight
AMC Nut Joined: Jan/30/2014 Location: Nor. Calif. Status: Offline Points: 436 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Does anyone have a trick to getting the springs back in the car with the car on jack stands (from removing and restoring the front suspension) and with no engine in the chassis? I can't figure out if there is a way to get the springs back in without waiting for the engine going back in place for the needed chassis weight.
Walt |
|
'68 Rebel SST coupe. (X2) '69 SC/Rambler (#7 on registry) '69 Javelin SST Go-Pak 390-4 speed '70 Rebel Machine 4spd '72 Javelin AMX 360 ram-air |
|
pacerman
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jul/03/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9057 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
An internal style spring compressor should be workable for a 70-later suspension. i used one on my 73 Javelin with very little angst. Having the engine out should not make a difference for a two-balljoint suspension INHO. Your car is a 70 Rebel, right? Joe
|
|
Happiness is making something out of nothing.
|
|
knightflight
AMC Nut Joined: Jan/30/2014 Location: Nor. Calif. Status: Offline Points: 436 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Sorry Joe, talking about my '69 SC/R
Walt |
|
'68 Rebel SST coupe. (X2) '69 SC/Rambler (#7 on registry) '69 Javelin SST Go-Pak 390-4 speed '70 Rebel Machine 4spd '72 Javelin AMX 360 ram-air |
|
pacerman
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jul/03/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9057 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Is there a spring shop within reasonable driving distance? See if they will compress them and band them as is recommended in Scott Campbell's book.
A more hazardous way would be to let the car down off the jack onto one spring at a time when placed underneath and put the factory correct spring compressor on it when it is adequately compressed. I dimly remember trying (successfully) the second approach several years ago when I replaced the sagging front springs on a 65 American with springs from another car. Joe
|
|
Happiness is making something out of nothing.
|
|
knightflight
AMC Nut Joined: Jan/30/2014 Location: Nor. Calif. Status: Offline Points: 436 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Joe,
Do you remember if the engine was in the car on that job? Probably so, I would guess. I don't believe there would be enough weight on the front of the car to compress the spring low enough to get the tool out...? That is my dilemma.. Walt |
|
'68 Rebel SST coupe. (X2) '69 SC/Rambler (#7 on registry) '69 Javelin SST Go-Pak 390-4 speed '70 Rebel Machine 4spd '72 Javelin AMX 360 ram-air |
|
vinny
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jan/05/2012 Location: Calgary Status: Offline Points: 2837 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I can remember using pieces of 5/8 redi rod with the spring hooks to get the side retainer straps off or on. It is a scary process and takes a lot of cranking on the nuts. I think I used those extra long ones.
Without an engine in the car maybe the side retainers could stay on the springs until the engine was installed to be able to remove them. Edited by vinny - Dec/03/2017 at 5:35am |
|
PlazinJavelin
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Nov/02/2008 Location: Atlanta USA Status: Offline Points: 2703 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
If you do a forum wide search you'll find a few different DIY projects for pre 70 spring tool hardware.
Only useful though if you can do your own welding or have someone make them for you. Here's what I built and used allowing me to remove/replace the springs in the tool. A heavily modified garyjav tool. Like other's have mentioned... safety first no matter which option you use. |
|
SentencedToBurn
AMC Fan Joined: Dec/09/2017 Location: New Zealand Status: Offline Points: 21 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Sorry to hijack the thread, but Im starting to think that I'll also need an internal spring compressor. A pair of my outside spring compressors won't work here (66 Classic 770).
The shock is out too, the hub as as low as it goes, but the spring is still pretty much in there. Will try compress it a bit more but not sure if that'll be enough. |
|
gremlin1945
AMC Addicted Joined: May/21/2008 Location: new jersey Status: Offline Points: 781 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Not a criticism but if you mounted the compressors correctly ( compressor extended almost fully) the spring will compress enough to remove it. The way you have it now is an invitation to disaster.
|
|
former NHRA #1945
former IHRA #1945 T/SA |
|
Post Reply | Page <123> |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |