C3: front suspension spring removal safety help - NCRS Discussion Boards

C3: front suspension spring removal safety help

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  • Steve L.
    Very Frequent User
    • June 30, 2001
    • 763

    C3: front suspension spring removal safety help

    Gents,

    I am about to remove the front springs on a 73 small block. Everything is off the frame except the front end.

    I've set up the third method of using the hook type of compressor with the bottom hook(no threads) removed and a plate added under the bottom A-arm.

    I noticed someone in the archives suggests to compress the spring until the coils touch, but in the GM shop manual it says that the max the spring should be compressed is 0.5 inch between coils. I would think the shop manual is correct? Plus you need to get a safety chain in place as well. You can't do this by completely collapsing the spring.

    Using this method, it looks like the spring can only be compressed 2 inches max. since the hook can only grab 4 coils. Is this enough to clear the upper spring pocket once the upper ball joint is detached?

    I've got the smaller hook facing inboard as suggested to create the banana shape to the spring.

    I was thinking of only detaching the upper ball joint only and getting rid of the spring so that I will spend the mininum time with the spring compressed and then remove the lower ball joint. Is this OK?

    How long is the spring uncompressed, so that I can make sure I have enough thread to decompress the spring.

    I've got it all set-up but I thought I'd wait to get your imput before I actually do this.

    Steve L
    73 coupe since new
    Steve L
    73 coupe since new
    Capital Corvette Club
    Ottawa, Canada
  • Jim T.
    Expired
    • March 1, 1993
    • 5351

    #2
    Re: C3: front suspension spring removal safety hel

    Saftey is very important in spring removal. Wonder how many persons have removed springs with only a floor jack under the lower control arm and lowered the control arm to release the tension on the spring. The optional suspension 518 springs are the easiest to install and remove in my opinion, they are shorter and the control arm is lowered less to remove the spring tension than the other Corvette springs. The greatest danger is the spring launching from its setting. Not recommending it because of the danger for anyone else, but compressing a couple inches and securing the spring so it cannot become a missle, I would release the spring with a floor jack. I am not recommending this because of the danger, some persons have had cars fall off of jacks in just changing a tire.

    Comment

    • Stephen L.
      Extremely Frequent Poster
      • May 31, 1984
      • 3148

      #3
      Re: C3: front suspension spring removal safety hel

      The standard spring "at rest" is about 17" long. You need only to compress the spring enough to relieve the compression force and then remove the ball joint pin. Placing a jack under it at this point... "bare frame except for the suspension" will not do much as you have no ballast left, engine, body etc. to place/keep weight on the frame.

      I would loosen the nut on the ball joint about 1/16 inch before I totally compressed the spring to use the spring force as an aid in breaking the ball joint loose from the knuckle. DO NOT REMOVE THE BALL JOINT NUT!!! place the spring compressor in position and put it under some tension to retain the spring forces that will remain after the pin becomes free. Also make sure that your spring compressor can extend to the point that there is no compression left for removal of the tool. DO NOT USE LOWES TYPE THREADED ROD for this application. You need something in the range of class 8 bolt threads AND an extra length nut or better yet ACME thread rod material.

      Place a heavy chain thru the spring as an additional safety measure. You are working with some deadly forces!!!!!

      Comment

      • Terry F.
        Expired
        • September 30, 1992
        • 2061

        #4
        Re: C3: front suspension spring removal safety hel

        Is your front crossmember dented on the underside? Terry

        Comment

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