Front spring replacement on C3

[John Bauer]

The front spring removal/replacement procedure as stated in the chassis manual looks easy enough. Will a floor jack alone support the lower a-arm without the special GM tool they recommend? Any other suggestions from somebody who has already done this? Thanks. John #31131

[Bill Baird]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

John,

While a floor jack alone is more than likely capable of allowing you to get your front springs in and out, I certainly didn't do it that way, and I don't recommend it. A compressed front spring contains a lot of energy, and if something were to go awry, things could get ugly.

When I took my front coils out, I used my jack and a spring compressor. The spring compressor made the job pretty straightforward. If you don't want to fork out the cash to buy a spring compressor, some auto parts stores (such as Auto Zone in the Indiana area) have a loaner tool program that is very handy. This is what I did, since I wasn't planning on using the tool often enough to warrant purchasing it.

Bill Baird

[Bill Baird]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

John,

While a floor jack alone is more than likely capable of allowing you to get your front springs in and out, I certainly didn't do it that way, and I don't recommend it. A compressed front spring contains a lot of energy, and if something were to go awry, things could get ugly.

When I took my front coils out, I used my jack and a spring compressor. The spring compressor made the job pretty straightforward. If you don't want to fork out the cash to buy a spring compressor, some auto parts stores (such as Auto Zone in the Indiana area) have a loaner tool program that is very handy. This is what I did, since I wasn't planning on using the tool often enough to warrant purchasing it.

Bill Baird

[Jim Mitchell]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

I agree with the previous posting. As a former certified brake and front suspension technician, I can attest to the energy stored in a coil spring. The energy is more than enough to launch a car off a floor jack. Play it safe and use a high quality coil spring compressor. Even if you have to buy one, an $80/90 buck investment is much better than personal injury or death.

[Jim Mitchell]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

I agree with the previous posting. As a former certified brake and front suspension technician, I can attest to the energy stored in a coil spring. The energy is more than enough to launch a car off a floor jack. Play it safe and use a high quality coil spring compressor. Even if you have to buy one, an $80/90 buck investment is much better than personal injury or death.

[chester]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

I've removed mine with Auto Zones, try not to bogger the threads on the tool. You thought removal was fun, wait to install them.... jc

[chester]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

I've removed mine with Auto Zones, try not to bogger the threads on the tool. You thought removal was fun, wait to install them.... jc

[Patrick H.]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

John,

This may sound like a silly question, but are you removing/replacing as part of a restoration, or do you actually think the springs are bad?

I ask because a few of us were discussing front springs at Bloomington, and the consensus of the group, including some very knowledgeable folk, is that these springs rarely wear out unless they start to significantly rust.

Anyway, as we had previously advised Chester, this can be a tedious and "interesting" process. Just be patient.

Patrick Hulst

[Patrick H.]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

John,

This may sound like a silly question, but are you removing/replacing as part of a restoration, or do you actually think the springs are bad?

I ask because a few of us were discussing front springs at Bloomington, and the consensus of the group, including some very knowledgeable folk, is that these springs rarely wear out unless they start to significantly rust.

Anyway, as we had previously advised Chester, this can be a tedious and "interesting" process. Just be patient.

Patrick Hulst

[John Bauer]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

Left front side is sitting almost 2 inches lower than right as measured from ground to center of wheel lip. Have already replaced rear spring. Everything I have read says that the springs are the culprit.

[John Bauer]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

Left front side is sitting almost 2 inches lower than right as measured from ground to center of wheel lip. Have already replaced rear spring. Everything I have read says that the springs are the culprit.

[Bill Baird]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

Have you verified that the frame is not bent? A friend and I replaced all of the springs on his '79, and his car still had a tilt to it. Further measurements indicate that something is amiss with the frame.

Bill Baird

[Bill Baird]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

Have you verified that the frame is not bent? A friend and I replaced all of the springs on his '79, and his car still had a tilt to it. Further measurements indicate that something is amiss with the frame.

Bill Baird

[Patrick H.]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

John,

OK, but don't believe everything you read...

Anyway, despite the "books", there are other reasons for this. Remember, "replacement" springs WILL make your front end sit higher than original, and it WILL be noticeable.

Good Luck,

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: Front spring replacement on C3

John,

OK, but don't believe everything you read...

Anyway, despite the "books", there are other reasons for this. Remember, "replacement" springs WILL make your front end sit higher than original, and it WILL be noticeable.

Good Luck,

Patrick