Front Spring Install Help

Chad E532 · 04-02-2009, 10:12 PM

I just am just finishing my front end rebuild consisting of AFCO bushings and ball joints, Calvert shocks, and Moroso springs. I started putting one side back together this evening but cannot seem to get the upper portion of the spring to seat correctly in the subframe (77 Camaro). Are there any tricks to getting the upper spring to locate short of a block of wood and a hammer (already tried that).
Any install tricks will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chad

Joe Marcinowski · 04-03-2009, 04:52 PM

On my 79 Camaro, I compressed the spring as much as possible, lined it up as good as possible on top, raised the lower control arm, then I put vise grips on opposite sides of the spring and used them to twist the spring into place. A good friend is also helpful.
Good Luck,
Joe

72Malibu · 04-05-2009, 08:17 PM

Using a spring compressor, I run the threaded rod through the shock absorber hole using only the threaded end of the compressor on the bottom of the spring, position the spring were needed then slowly compress the spring from the top side. Once you have the spring centered on those tangs or whatever you want to call them, it cant move.

Mark Yacavone · 04-05-2009, 08:51 PM

You need to put the top in place first. Leave the bottom part way outboard .Start jacking up the a- arm and then pry the bottom over through the shock hole or knock it inboard a little at a time.
Of course ,if you don't have all the weight in the car, you're on your own. Use a spring compressor.

Chad E532 · 04-05-2009, 09:19 PM

Thanks for the tips.
I was able to get the spring out that did not locate properly up in the frame rail but it took a combination of a spring compressor, floor jack, chain, and pry bar to get it out of there.
Now that I have the new Moroso units in I have the "gasser" look and need to trim them down some. I have a separate post looking for the rule of thumb of what each 1/4 coil removed equates to in inches of drop.
Thanks,
Chad

04-02-2009, 10:12 PM	#1
Chad E532 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lindstrom MN Posts: 156 Likes: 5 Liked 54 Times in 7 Posts	Front Spring Install Help I just am just finishing my front end rebuild consisting of AFCO bushings and ball joints, Calvert shocks, and Moroso springs. I started putting one side back together this evening but cannot seem to get the upper portion of the spring to seat correctly in the subframe (77 Camaro). Are there any tricks to getting the upper spring to locate short of a block of wood and a hammer (already tried that). Any install tricks will be appreciated. Thanks, Chad

04-03-2009, 04:52 PM	#2
Joe Marcinowski Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Northern Ohio Posts: 201 Likes: 690 Liked 33 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Front Spring Install Help On my 79 Camaro, I compressed the spring as much as possible, lined it up as good as possible on top, raised the lower control arm, then I put vise grips on opposite sides of the spring and used them to twist the spring into place. A good friend is also helpful. Good Luck, Joe __________________ Joe Marcinowski 3377 STK

04-05-2009, 08:17 PM	#3
72Malibu Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Republic,Mo Posts: 93 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Front Spring Install Help Using a spring compressor, I run the threaded rod through the shock absorber hole using only the threaded end of the compressor on the bottom of the spring, position the spring were needed then slowly compress the spring from the top side. Once you have the spring centered on those tangs or whatever you want to call them, it cant move. __________________ * 72 Malibu * 1.329-3.99-6.28@106.71-9.98@131 best 60ft to date-1.2997

04-05-2009, 08:51 PM	#4
Mark Yacavone Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Miles From Nowhere Posts: 7,417 Likes: 2,582 Liked 4,453 Times in 1,694 Posts	Re: Front Spring Install Help You need to put the top in place first. Leave the bottom part way outboard .Start jacking up the a- arm and then pry the bottom over through the shock hole or knock it inboard a little at a time. Of course ,if you don't have all the weight in the car, you're on your own. Use a spring compressor. __________________ We are lucky we don't get as much Government as we pay for..... Will Rogers

04-05-2009, 09:19 PM	#5
Chad E532 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lindstrom MN Posts: 156 Likes: 5 Liked 54 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Front Spring Install Help Thanks for the tips. I was able to get the spring out that did not locate properly up in the frame rail but it took a combination of a spring compressor, floor jack, chain, and pry bar to get it out of there. Now that I have the new Moroso units in I have the "gasser" look and need to trim them down some. I have a separate post looking for the rule of thumb of what each 1/4 coil removed equates to in inches of drop. Thanks, Chad