77 Spring orientation

[Michael B.]

Good afternoon experts,

I've restored front coil springs and was about to install them when I hit a glitch. 2 questions.

The service and assembly manual seem to conflict with the actual configuration of this spring. The manuals place the "close spaced" coils at the top into the tower. These springs are notched at the more open end. The service manual makes reference to this notch (gripper notch) and it should be at the top.
(Spring AH 346939)

Which is more important, the close space coils at top or the notch?

I've also just rented a spring compressor. It appears the centre rod will push too far into the tower. Can the lower a-arm be used as a point to secure the lower side of the coil. it looks as though the spring needs to be tightened with the nut at top.

Thanks as always.

Michael B.

[Alan Drake]

Re: 77 Spring orientation

On my 64 the close spaced coils are at the bottom - sure some experts will know if 64 and 77 are the same configuration with respect to the direction.

[Michael B.]

Re: 77 Spring orientation ** FOLLOW-UP

I've re-read a number of older threads from the archives. The notch does not appear to mean much and quality control being what it was some did not even have a notch.

As to the spring compressor - I had used the allthread to originally remove the springs but I don't think this a reliable method for re-installation and I would not regard the shock tower as suitable for the load (although I had perfect orientation of the spring to the lower arm, I just could not see myself jacking up the spring another couple inches).

I've gone out and bought a jack plate and will use the method that I believe Joe Lucia posted several years ago using the spring compressor pulling the coil down to the lower a-arm.

Insurance has been paid up. The thread on this compressor is 3/4 and while a loaner shows no sign of wear on the threads so it is likely grade 8.

Confirmation on orientation would be nice if someone could chime in.

Thanks, and happy new year.

[John H.]

Re: 77 Spring orientation ** FOLLOW-UP

Not sure on C3's, but on midyears, the '64-up #3851100 variable-rate progressively-wound front springs are ALWAYS installed with the closely-spaced coils at the top, in the frame pocket, as indicated in the assembly manual.

[Michael B.]

SWEET

For all the previous posters my thanks because the combined data makes for an easier job, greater safety and fewer changes of underwear (sorry).

To summarize (note - this is just a rolling frame at this point so there is no engine/tranny load:

1. (for those in Toronto area) - rent the Coil Spring Compressor from Parts Source - this is a heavy duty tool with grade 8 parts. Other places only had the strut spring compressor. (As good as this part was one of the J-arm bolts came off - check everything).

1. 3/8" jack post plate from Home Depot
it already has a hole, drill out to 3/4"

2. unscrew top J assembly - leave lower assembly in place as it provides more surface area - drop plate through threaded bolt and run bolt through bottom of lower a-arm

3. re-thread the upper J assembly onto the threaded bolt and place the longer J toward inside 6 springs up, the shorter J facing outside 5 springs up - this will allow compression involving more spring (ie.. least load per spring for the distance) and still allow you to easilly remove later.

3a. Make sure you've greased the spring receiving sockets before you start.

4. Cinch up to hold the spring in place then oil the threads regularly as you tighten checking as you go.

4a. Once you've tightened a bit secure a safety chain about 4 down from top and to the frame. (Actually I attached it to my leg so I could find it if it flew away - HEY, I put a lot of work into these parts).

5. You will be starting with about 13" showing measured from the top of the a-arm to the top of the spring, tighten, oil, check, tighten, oil check; and when you are at about 10.5" (mileage may vary a bit) get you rubber mallet, and gently persuade the coil into the upper tower - a few "light" taps should do it - DO NOT be standing in front of the spring while you do this as the spring could choose then to "tap" back.

6. The spring won't fall back from the tower now so grab a floor jack and place under the jack plate - slowly raise and the coil should continue popping into place.

7. At this point you can attach the lower end of the steering knuckle/ball joint into place - bolt up the bottom nut, then top. Check everything. Unload the compressor, slowly, remove safety chain. Change underwear, do other side.

I hope that helps whoever else is looking to do this. If anyone needs more detail don't hesitate to ask.

Michael B.