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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: 79chevykid on August 31, 2011, 02:58:47 PM

Title: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: 79chevykid on August 31, 2011, 02:58:47 PM
Its a 1979 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive 2 1/2 lowering spindles.....I don't know what I'm doing wrong but iv tried the coil compressor that goes on the inside but it was hitting on the inside top of the cross member so I got the ones that go on the outside and there to long and hit the lower a-arm so how have you guys done this?
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: Isaac3384 on August 31, 2011, 03:40:19 PM
I put a jack under the lower control arm, loosen the ball joint nut, but don't remove it completely. Leave a couple threads. Break the ball joint loose from the spindle. After it's loose, use the jack and jack up the lca. Make sure you hav a spring compressor on the spring. Take the nut off the ball joint, then let the jack down. Pry the lca away from the spindle and remove the spring.
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: bigchevyc30 on August 31, 2011, 04:01:36 PM
isaac i think hes trying to install the spring not take it out
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: Isaac3384 on August 31, 2011, 05:07:02 PM
That's even easier. Without using a spring compressor, put the top of the spring into place, lift the lower control arm into place using a jack. Make sure it is placed under something solid that will help keep it from slipping. When lifted into place, install the spindle onto the ball joint.

I wasn't 100% sure what he is trying to do; he mentions drop spindles, then he talks about using a spring compressor...I tried to read between the lines as good as humanly possible...lol
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: 79chevykid on August 31, 2011, 08:48:11 PM
Here's the problem with just jacking it up and using the weight of the truck is its just a chassis right now so it doesn't weigh much so it just lifts the truck
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: 1979C20 on September 01, 2011, 06:53:04 AM
Go to oreilly and rent a spring compressor. Compress the spring enough to bolt up the LCA then release the spring. Carefully of course.
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on September 01, 2011, 08:11:57 AM
In that case, yeah you'll have to use a spring compressor, or somehow weigh down the chassis or tie it down to the ground.

Also to the other guys, what kind of spring compressors did you use?  I bought one for mine but it didnt work, cant remember why so i ended up HAVING to jack up the control arm without a compressor to remove and install my springs.  though i must say that way was the simplest and safe way to do it to begin with. 

I just want to make sure he doesnt buy a spring compressor he cant use... 
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: 1979C20 on September 01, 2011, 08:28:23 AM
Oreilly has 2 types to rent, a coil spring compressor, which goes on the inside of the spring and pulls it together.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PFM0/W89311.oap?ck=Search_spring+compressor_N2403_1032196_2896&keyword=spring+compressor&pt=N2403&ppt=C2370 (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PFM0/W89311.oap?ck=Search_spring+compressor_N2403_1032196_2896&keyword=spring+compressor&pt=N2403&ppt=C2370)

And a strut compressor, the strut compressor attaches to a coil on the top and a coil on the bottom, on both sides, with Ubolts and then you tighten the nut and bolt to squeeze the spring down.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PFM0/W80555.oap?ck=Search_strut+compressor_1032196_2896&keyword=strut+compressor (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PFM0/W80555.oap?ck=Search_strut+compressor_1032196_2896&keyword=strut+compressor)

Either will work as long as there is a hole in the middle of the LCA for the coil spring compressor to fit through.
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: 79chevykid on September 01, 2011, 11:11:21 AM
I rented the kind that goes in the inside from advanced auto but when I had the spring compressed the bolt that all the hooks ride on went up and hit the top of the crossmember where the coil rests on so I tried it upside down and that didn't work either so I might just try the jacking method and weigh the frame down somehow
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: 1979C20 on September 01, 2011, 04:23:24 PM
Try the strut compressor, it goes on the outside.
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: beastie_3 on September 01, 2011, 05:04:56 PM
Read the OPs first post.
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on September 02, 2011, 07:19:25 AM
Oreilly has 2 types to rent, a coil spring compressor, which goes on the inside of the spring and pulls it together.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PFM0/W89311.oap?ck=Search_spring+compressor_N2403_1032196_2896&keyword=spring+compressor&pt=N2403&ppt=C2370 (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PFM0/W89311.oap?ck=Search_spring+compressor_N2403_1032196_2896&keyword=spring+compressor&pt=N2403&ppt=C2370)

And a strut compressor, the strut compressor attaches to a coil on the top and a coil on the bottom, on both sides, with Ubolts and then you tighten the nut and bolt to squeeze the spring down.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PFM0/W80555.oap?ck=Search_strut+compressor_1032196_2896&keyword=strut+compressor (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PFM0/W80555.oap?ck=Search_strut+compressor_1032196_2896&keyword=strut+compressor)

Either will work as long as there is a hole in the middle of the LCA for the coil spring compressor to fit through.


I bought the first one listed and it didnt work for me.  I can't remember exactly why not, but I know it wouldnt work on my C20.

I really can't think of a way to do this without weight on the truck.  Best way I found ever is using a jack on it, so well have to get creative with this one.  Unless you think cutting the shaft of the spring compressor would make it fit in there enough to do the job.  of coarse then you gotta buy one not rent it.
Title: Re: how to instal coils in 79 1/2 ton 2 wd
Post by: 1979C20 on September 02, 2011, 09:40:25 AM
Why cant you put shorter bolts in the strut compressor?

Beastie, I missed that some how