I am attempting to install coils on my 68 GTO. First I borrowed the compressor tool from Schucks (O'Reilly's). It is ALMOST good but the threaded rod is too long. By the time you have the coils compressed enough the end of the rod is through the coil! Also the rod is too big to fit through the shock mount.

Today I got the compressor tool from autozone. The thread will fit through the shock mount. It also uses only 1 set of hooks as the base is different. I got the coil installed in the first try! Bad news - the base of the tool was stuck inside the tool, so back out it comes.

I also tried running it up through the upper shock mount hole, but the way it draws the coils up the spring kicks out toward the outside as you compress. I also tried running it up through the lower shock mount in the a-arm but this also resulted in failure.

Anybody have some tips? Frame is bare so there isn't much weight to help.

I am so glad that I'm not the only one having a huge issue with this! I have a 72 Chevelle and I'm in the process of doing an off body restore. It sounds like your doing the same thing.

I was able to get one of my coil springs installed and ran into the same problem when it came it getting the base of the tool out. After a bit of man power, I was able to get it out, although I scratched the newly powder coated springs. Grrr... I also have tried all the different ways getting it installed without any success.

If anyone replies to this post, PLEASE let me know the easy way of getting the coil springs installed. I’m at a standstill until I can it the other side installed. It would be greatly appreciated!!!

http://216.178.81.108/forums/showthread.php?t=386527&highlight=coil+spring+install

Thanks 6t7, I have seen that link before and have gone over it a few times. The one about using a bar through the inside of the A-arm, I should have paid more attention to.

Ran the rod through the upper shock mount hole and put the hooks 4 links up from the top. once it was compressed up enough I used my boot sole to press it into the spring pocket on the a-arm and with a jack under the a-arm lifted it up until it was securely in place. I was then able to get the upper ball joint through the spindle by compressing the spring a little more.

Unfortunately the spring doesn't quite look like new anymore and the powdercoated lower a-arm is pretty dinged up.

The threaded rod needs to be cut shorter for A-body's. I used my friend's which he had cut for that reason.

We NEVER use a coil spring compressor. :noway:
With the spindle/brake assembly already attached to the upper control arm...
Load the coil spring up into the correct position in the frame, then rest the bottom end of the spring in the lower control arm pocket, and raise the LCA up with a sturdy floor jack. While raising the jack, which compresses the spring, guide the lower ball joint stud into the spindle and attach the stud nut.
Done this dozens of times...did two front springs using this method on a '65 Malibu last Sat, in fact. ;)

Right Mike?? :beers:

Bill, was this on a bare frame?

Bill, was this on a bare frame?

Nope...the engine was always in place.
Sorry Jeremy if I missed that detail... :o

Could you stick one in there for the weight?

Yeah but I gotta re-torque the rod bolts again and would just have to pull back out. After this mess is done the motor & trans are goin in though. :D

You can run a chain under the jack and over the top of the frame, so the jack and frame are lock together. I used a threaded rod throught the upper shock mount and a steel plate under the lower A arm and compressed the spring that way. The first time I did it I used a couple of woods block under the lower arm.
http://s777.photobucket.com/albums/yy58/shadowgray/Frame%20Build/Front%20End%20Build/?action=view&current=SononRightSide.jpg

Also check this post out that has pictures
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=261939&highlight=front+spring+installation

Ray

Here are some photos from the last few days.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/steering.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/frontsusp.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/clarkbar04/GTO/frontsusp2.jpg

Now I've got a lot of empty boxes to pitch and a whole mess of tools to put away. One other note - of course one of the spindle nut kits I got from NAPA was missing the cotter pin.

Hey JL Clark,

I was wondering which way you used to get your springs installed? Also, I was looking at your pictures you posted and I was wondering where you got your steering arms and linkage from.

Hey Matt, check out post #4 above - I outlined the "success story" in that post. If you have any questions, feel free to ask either within the thread, or through PM.

Steering arms, springs, bushings, ball joints and linkage were all bought through rockauto.com, and are all Dana/Spicer professional grade. You will not find that brand there anymore as they got bought out and are now labeled as Raybestos.

We NEVER use a coil spring compressor. :noway:
With the spindle/brake assembly already attached to the upper control arm...
Load the coil spring up into the correct position in the frame, then rest the bottom end of the spring in the lower control arm pocket, and raise the LCA up with a sturdy floor jack. While raising the jack, which compresses the spring, guide the lower ball joint stud into the spindle and attach the stud nut.
Done this dozens of times...did two front springs using this method on a '65 Malibu last Sat, in fact. ;)

Right Mike?? :beers:

Same way. Chain wrap if no weight. Floor pots are very nice to have for these procedures.