'62 Front Suspension Kit

[Don Ursery]

Hello,
I purchased a Front Suspension Kit from CC for my '62. The engine is still out of the car and first I need to know the safest way to RR the front springs (I do not have a spring compressor). Also, any other suggestions. The kit is your basic 2-springs, the rest is all tied into the steering or suspension. I know thats not alot to go on, I was hoping someone else had purchase one of these kits. Again, thanks in advance...Don

[John M.]

Re: '62 Front Suspension Kit

I allways use a long piece of 1/2" all-thread with large washers and nuts on each end. Insert this through the center of the spring where the shock goes and crank on the nuts with a wrench. Get a good chassis service manual before attempting this job as there are many subtle things about this job that will not be apparent without the manual. Regards,John McGraw

[Don Ursery]

Re: '62 Front Suspension Kit

John,
Thanks for your information and the time to reply. I appreciate your expertise and advice. Take care and keep in touch...Don

[David H.]

Re: '62 Front Suspension Kit

Don; I just finished doing the front end on a 62. The service manual is the best way to go on this and works easily. Mine was only the chasis with no engine or body and it worked good.
You can start by jacking up under each front lower a-arm and cutting off or removing the upper a-arm snubber on each side, this is not critical but it helps give more downward travel to release the spring tension. Then put the car on jack stands (under the frame) next remove the inside lower control arm bracket bolts but leave one front and one back. place long philips screwdrivers (or all-thread and nuts for added protection) in two holes, one front one rear, for a guide. Next be sure the full weight of the car is on the jack that should be placed under the lower control arm and bracket, actually the jack will be on the bracket itself. As you remove the last two bolts you will notice that the a-arm bracket will stay against the frame, if it starts to open up a gap then you may need the all-thread or some longer bolts, or some assistance in the form of someone standing on the front crossmember. All that I needed was the guides and this car had no extra weight on the chasis at all. Start to lower the jack and loosen the all-thread (if used) untill the tension is released and the spring can be removed.

The spring is flat on top and fits in a resess with a lip in the crossmember. The bottom of the spring has a notch made for it in the lower control arm with a hole for locating the end of the spring.

When reassembleing with new snubbers I needed the extra person on the crossmember to get the last 2" so I could start the bolts. The front suspension with spindle and uppper a-arm will all come off now by removing the upper a-arm inside attach points, and when you go back the last thing will be the spring and lower inside control arm bracket. I hope this helps; David

[Steve Junkersfeld]

Re: '62 Front Suspension Kit

Don, I concur with all the advice you've received. the threaded rod does an excellent job of compressing the new spring. My only additional suggestion would be, since you're not using the old springs, to use a cutting torch to remove the old springs. The less I mess around with coil springs, the better I like it. Just cut the coil in two places and they collapse - then the front suspension components come apart real easy. The ST-12 is invaluable in reassembly. Good Luck, Steve

[Don Ursery]

Re: '62 Front Suspension Kit

Steve & David,

Thanks a million guys. Your advice and information is great and I'll use every bit of it. I truly appreciate your time and expertise regarding this. You guys are so kind to take the time to respond. Thanks. Take care and keep in touch...Don