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Trunnion Spring Removal and New Spring Install

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celcius232 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote celcius232 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Trunnion Spring Removal and New Spring Install
    Posted: Aug/05/2022 at 4:52pm
I recall a thread where someone modified the JavJav spring tool to compress fully open springs or springs that were still in the car. I already have the JavJav tool.  Can someone direct me to that thread?  I have searched for it and cannot locate it

I do not have the motor/trans in my car (69 Javelin) and I need a tool to remove the old springs to restore/rebuild the front end.  The driver side spring is bulging out badly due to a trunnion problem and I am not sure a removal tool could contain it.  I am contemplating just torch heating the old springs and let them compress or cutting the coils and replacing them with new ones, but I still need to compress the new springs for installation.

Thanks in advance.  
1980 Jeep CJ-7 258 (sold)
1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 360 (sold)
1976 Pacer 258 (sold)
1973 Ambassador 401 (sold)
1973 Jeep Commando 304 (sold)
1969 Javelin SST 343
1968 AMX 390
1971 Hurst Jeepster
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BU1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/05/2022 at 10:51pm

 It's not that difficult. I did a total rebuild of my 68 AMX recently, with no special tools. Follow the steps in Scott Campbell's book for removal. When the upper arms are resting on the frame rail, there is very little compression on the spring. Have all the bolts loose. Remove the nut on the bolt from the upper arms to the trunnion. Drive the bolt out with a tapered drift punch, leaving the punch in place. Pull the punch out while holding the spring straight. Now let the spring and trunnion tilt outward.  Removal is done. I did it with no help. Installation is just the reverse process. Assemble everything loosely except the upper arm to trunnion bolt. Have your drift punch ready to go. Now with the spring and trunnion tilted outward, firmly push it in, making sure the lower spring cup remains centered on the trunnion. Hold the spring vertical while a helper raises the lower control arm with a floor jack until you can put the drift punch in the trunnion hole. I think mine only had to go about 3". It is not that hard to keep the spring straight while doing this. Drive the punch out with the trunnion bolt. Done deal. Not sure why AMC made such a cluster out of this with their service procedure. I just sold my original Kent Moore spring holders. They required the springs to be compressed about 9", nearly 1/2 the free length of the spring. That scares me. Never used them. 
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#1 1968 AMX Rally Green 343 Z code 4spd since 1975 #02642
#2 1968 AMX Rally Green 290 N code 4spd since 2019 #02959
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mbwicz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/06/2022 at 5:19am
I was able to use a set of strut type spring compressors to help remove the springs on a car without the engine.  I felt very comfortable doing it this way.

Mike

1970 AMX, one step forward, one step back. Both steps cost time and money.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote madams Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/06/2022 at 7:29am
Removed a set of springs from a 69 Javelin parts car and R&R a set from my 68 AMX both had no drivetrain installed.  I was able to do it by myself having never worked on a trunion car.  I can't say I wasn't puckered up the whole time though Wink.  I used a Strut-type spring compressor.  You have to get it positioned at the right height/length for it to have enough stroke to get it compressed enough as there is not much room in the spring tower.  When you remove the springs kind of take note of where the tool is so you can put it back on in around the same place. Follow BU1's instructions to remove as much tension as possible.  I don't recall having to compress them very much and it was a bit tricky to hold everything while installing it so I think it being compressed a bit helped in that regard.  Be careful and know your limitations as this is probably one of the more dangerous procedures on a car.
68 AMX 390 4SP
67 RS Camaro 327 Auto
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Buzzman72 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/07/2022 at 8:08am
"A man's GOT to know his limitations."
Buzzman72...void where prohibited, your mileage may vary, objects in mirror may be closer than they appear, and alcohol may intensify any side effects.
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celcius232 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote celcius232 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/07/2022 at 9:44pm
Thanks for the replies.  

I read Scott Campbell's description on removing the springs.  I am not sure what kind of wire should be used to tie it off to the upper control arm.  I guess something heavy enough to keep it from flying if it still has tension.  

I notice that Scott had a spring shop band the springs in compression so he could reinstall them.  Is that a common technique for spring shops?--the closet one I know of is 80- miles away. 

1980 Jeep CJ-7 258 (sold)
1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 360 (sold)
1976 Pacer 258 (sold)
1973 Ambassador 401 (sold)
1973 Jeep Commando 304 (sold)
1969 Javelin SST 343
1968 AMX 390
1971 Hurst Jeepster
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AMXFSTBK390 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/10/2022 at 11:44am
Made this trunnion spring compressor to remove the springs from my 68 AMX. Photo shows one of the springs compressed next to the the other spring not compressed. This illustrates how much I had to compress the spring to remove it from my AMX without the eng/trans in the car.
Questions are powerful tools...what's in your toolbox?
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celcius232 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote celcius232 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/10/2022 at 11:54am
Thats the type of tool I was looking for, there was a forum post that I cannot find where he took the factory style holding tool and converted it to one like yours.  
1980 Jeep CJ-7 258 (sold)
1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 360 (sold)
1976 Pacer 258 (sold)
1973 Ambassador 401 (sold)
1973 Jeep Commando 304 (sold)
1969 Javelin SST 343
1968 AMX 390
1971 Hurst Jeepster
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AMXFSTBK390 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/10/2022 at 9:13pm
Is this the spring compressor you saw?
Questions are powerful tools...what's in your toolbox?
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celcius232 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote celcius232 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/10/2022 at 11:58pm
Yes. That's it.  
1980 Jeep CJ-7 258 (sold)
1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 360 (sold)
1976 Pacer 258 (sold)
1973 Ambassador 401 (sold)
1973 Jeep Commando 304 (sold)
1969 Javelin SST 343
1968 AMX 390
1971 Hurst Jeepster
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