I'm replacing my OEM springs ('70 El Camino) w/a pair of 2" drop springs. It's up on jackstands (frame). Raised the rear end enough to remove the shocks, dropped the rear end. No luck. Moved the jack under one of the drums and jacked it up (dropping the opposite side) as far as it would go. Still no luck. Spring is still firmly in place.

What do I disconnect next to drop it down even lower? Upper control arms? Lower? Front or rear bolts?

Thanks.

Those springs are extra tall and stiff being ment for added weight carrying loads. I have done it with a prybar and keeping my distance. Disconnecting a control arm at the rear end does help. As well, the 2" drop springs are probably going to drop it more than 3". I went with 3" drop springs and it came down 5". Mine were from OPGI though. So if yours are moroso or something they may be stiffer.

let the rear hang, and jack up one side.
then use a pry bar to pop the spring that is fully extended out of it's perch.
move the jack to the other side and take the other spring out.
the new springs should go in easier than the old ones came out.

Thanks. The springs I'm removing are a Moog OEM spring. The underside of my rear bumper is 17" off the deck. Hope I don't get more than a 3" drop.

You can use a spring compressor to clamp a few coils together and they should come right out.

When I saw mine had dropped 5" I didn't know what to think LOL. Air bags inside the springs made it so now I can have nearly any ride height or quality I want. Easy install, but it is around $80. Air shocks do the same thing, BUT, air shocks also kill traction and cornering. Especially since they only use one valve, meaning air pressure can shift from side to side.

If you are not going to use the old springs again, I just take a torch and heat the up till they compress, I have used this method for years and have found it safer than prying them out. just my opinion.

The driveshaft yoke is probably bottomed out in the tranny...holding the rearend up some.

Try jacking the whole diff. up again and remove the driveshaft - then let it all back down - like the previous email - it is likely holding the diff. assembly up.

On the 2" drop springs, its all a chance. I used 1" drop (OPG) in front of my 71 chevelle and I got about 1/2 inch drop. I ended up cutting them to a perfect height.
A friend installed 2" drop (OPG) in the rear of his 70 chevelle and uses air shocks to bring it back up some.

I will, no doubt, be holding my breath when I do finally get the job done and lower the jack. My EC does have air shocks, but I'm hoping they won't have to be used to bring it up. BTW, I purchsed these springs from CPP.

Thanks fo the tip w/regard to the driveshaft.

If one was to use a spring compresser, would this be the right kind? If so, would you use both compressers simultaneously on the same spring?

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1760/10267114/18425565/362292282.jpg

If one was to use a spring compresser, would this be the right kind? If so, would you use both compressers simultaneously on the same spring?

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1760/10267114/18425565/362292282.jpg

If you really need them for the rear then grab set from auto zone (free, just need to leave a deposit) but they look a bit different and have two of those arms per side (two on top, two on the bottom). If you have an auto zone or kragen just go grab their set. Its not hard to see how it would work but if you have em and get stuck - always have TC.

And no - one compressor per spring so what you are seeing is the set. once you get the loaners you will see how they work and also see that it would be one hell of a chore to try and get both compressors in the same spring at the same time. ;):D

Not a lot of energy in the rear springs with the rear at droop, even if they are still in there and hung up by the DS. Not like the fronts where even at droop they're pinned between frame pocket and lower arm

Be very careful that you don't pinch a brake line when you mess around with that prybar!

I was able to step on one of the drums to get mine out.

Be very careful that you don't pinch a brake line when you mess around with that prybar!
keep the prying on the perches and the brake lines aren't an issue.

Are you kidding me? i was laying under the car and removed the shock and that sucker bout smashed my pumpmkin (head) when it hit the floor. there was no spring pressure, but the shock was all that was holding that side of the axle up. brake drum left a nice gouge in the floor. sure glad it was not my head! i don't get how mine dropped enough i could just reach in and pull the spring out and you guys are having trouble with it?