I had posted before about using the type of coil spring compressor that has a plate and a threaded rod (that goes through the lower CA and the upper shock mount). I received a lot of very helpful replies. So I decided I would fabricate something similar and try it out. I got some 5/8 grade 8 three foot all thread, similar grade washers, nuts, etc. and a 1/2 inch steel plate for the lower CA.
I got everything ready to go but ..... today when I went to give it a try, I found out that my new springs are waaay too long to use this method. Basically, with the lower CA hanging straight down I still couldn't get the spring into the pocket in the lower arm. These are stock spring replacements. I checked them against the springs I took out and they are virtually identical. So they must fit in there somehow.
My question is, for those who have used this plate/threaded rod method successfully, is there something I am overlooking, or can I not use this set-up in my situation. My plan had been to bolt in the lower CAs to the frame, compress the spring and then attach lower ball joint to spindle. Should I maybe do it in another sequence?
I don't have the engine/front clip in, but even if I did, I don't see how I could use the jack under the lower CA method either.
I wonder how this job would be done if I were to take it to a shop. How did they do this originally at the factory (perhaps with the same length springs)? Any help would be appreciated!

It will work. You have to force the spring into the lca. It's a real pain but the lca will move down farther. I pushed the LCA down with my foot as I slid the spring in place.. Get the spring in, Then slide the rod in from the top.

When we did mine, we connected up the ball joint side of the lower control arm first and put the two frame bolts in the inner side last.

Hi Scott, even at that angle the rod will compress the spring to where it needs to be? The lower CA is practically hanging straight down at this point. If so, this is good news! I would prefer to use this method. Seems the safest. I will try it again in the morning.

Yes. It will work.. That is the way I did mine..

Deans Idea sounds interesting though. That could give you a better angle...

Hi Dean, I was going to try that next. Only thing is that it took me a while, and some wrangling, to get the lower CA to frame bolts in place (new bushings) and that was without a compressed spring to contend with. That might give me a little more room to work with though.

Hi Dean, I was going to try that next. Only thing is that it took me a while, and some wrangling, to get the lower CA to frame bolts in place (new bushings) and that was without a compressed spring to contend with. That might give me a little more room to work with though.

Yeah, you think they were a pain with no spring, wait till you try to get them in with all the pressure. I agree with others, you may have to raise your frame a little higher to get the lower control arms to be able to be practically vertical. Just make sure your springs are rotated into the correct position. I had to do the same thing when I put mine in with no engine installed, but I used the floor jack method with a couple "big buddies" sitting on the frame.

I am going to raise the frame up higher and see if I can get it to fit. I guess the upper pocket holds the spring in place through all of this. Even so, I am going to chain it! Once I am at that point seems like I will have to compress the spring a lot to get the nut on the ball joint.

Okay, here is an update. I first tried with the LCA bolted to the frame, but there was no way I could get the spring into the pocket. No matter what I did, the LCA was bottomed out against the frame and the spring was still several inches out. So, I then removed the LCA frame bolts and left the ball joint attached. That worked. But before I did that I did a little tweaking to make sure the LCA would bolt back to the frame without much hassle. Then I put a lot of lube on the bearings. Everything is in place now. Tomorrow, weather permitting I'll try out the other side. Thanks for all of the advice, I really appreciate it!