Installing A-arms & coil springs

[Steve G.]

Am installing my restored a-arms and coil springs today on bare chassis. Coil orientation is end with narrow coil spacing (BB with ac car) up into shock tower - correct? Do I seat the coils such that the bottom end of the coil sits directly centered in the bottom A-arm drain hole or should it end next to the drain hole, leaving the hole open?

Lastly, do I torque the A-arm bushing bolts before instal onto chassis, or later once motor goes in? thanks, Steve

[Bill C.]

Re: Installing A-arms & coil springs

Steve,

tightly wound coils up top and leave about a 1/2" to the side of the drain hole in the bottom.
If I remember right, it will sort of fit this way anyways...

I personally would not tighten anything until it is completely loaded to its normal ride height. It is okay to snug the bolts up just until they contact the washers. Did mine this way - worked just fine.

[Alan S.]

Re: Installing A-arms & coil springs

Hi Steve,
I believe a note in the front suspension section of the 71 AIM indicates that the end of the upper coil should be located .38 +- to .12" from the stop in the spring tower. It's in UPC 3, Sheet A 4.
On my chassis that put the end of the bottom coil near enough to the drain hole for me to see it looking through the hole.
Regards,
Alan

[Henry S.]

Re: Installing A-arms & coil springs

Steve,
There was a post recently about the tightening of A-arm bolts. I'm doing a 67 SB now and if I remember correctly from post (Joe Lucia) you definitely wait until you have the weight back on wheels. Check the archives, it was within the last week or so, for post. On the midyears (I assume C3 would be the same) the end of coil is about 3/8-1/2 inch away from drain hole.

[Terry M.]

Re: Installing A-arms & coil springs

Unless you torque the suspension bushings at design height you stand a good chance of damaging them if you ever drive the car much. If you have replaced the bushings you ought to have an understanding of how they function, and that will make the need to torque at design height real clear.

[Steve G.]

Re: Installing A-arms & coil springs

This is exactly the info I needed. Thanks to all for the help! Steve