Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402 (Post 8106182)

Learned how to remove front coil springs today. Like everything else on these trucks, it was easier than expected. This is how I did it.

I read where one of the members secures the spring by running a chain through the spring and bottom control arm. If you ask me, that's exactly how you do it. Doesn't take much effort, and might save your life.

Course that chain placement may not bode well for a floor jack placed underneath the spring, but I read in a number of places to jack up the outer end of the control arm, so I removed the zerk fitting and did just that. I only raised it an inch or so, because the only things on the frame are the front suspension, and the engine and transmission. It worked well.

Backed the nuts off maybe 3/8" and went at the ball joints with a pickle fork. I had to back off the floor jack some, I believe to release the lower joints. Then I lowered the control arm, and that spring is pretty well loose.

I say pretty well loose, because like dummy I was talking to someone, and forgot to re-secure the lower control arm with the floor jack. Then I took off what I believe was the top nut. Yeah, the lower control arm met with the concrete. Really, there was little to no tension on the spring at that point. No harm no foul, there was less force than I'd expect, but don't do that................;)

I cut the tops of the rivets with a Dremel. It's clean, but I went through 4 wheels. Took a chisel to the cuts and it made for a nice surface to drill. I used oil of course, and kept the bits cool, and didn't waste a single bit. That said, I only drilled a 1/4" diameter. I punched the first one out, but left the rest. I may see if it's better to remove them with the control arm off. Anyone know how large the rivet holes are? I'd guess 3/8". How about replacement bolt size?............... Something tells me I shouldn't have drilled all the way through those rivets, and just punch them out.............. EDIT: Yep. I should have invested in a good air chisel. I'll save it for another day, do it the hard way........Ha!.



Don't know how to install cleanly yet, but I may get one of these to avoid scratches. http://www.eastwood.com/fairmount-to...ompressor.html

Other ideas for install appreciated. Other than that, I agree with everyone who says so, don't use coil compressors to remove front coil springs. Now to figure out how to remove ball joints.

Originally Posted by Metaldoc (Post 8106234)

Nice work so far, keep it up, It's funny I looked at your last pics with the engine was still in and I was going to say make sure you pull the front springs before the engine. You'll need the weight to compress the springs. It's an easy job once done, once.
Good on ya, Derek

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402 (Post 8106248)

Thanks......Live and learn. I didn't think to double check how to remove ball joints. I'd heard drill bits did the trick, which they do, but "next time" I grind or cut the tops off with and air chisel, and use the air chisel to punch them out.:chevy:

Originally Posted by ghalperin (Post 8106249)

When I did my frame, I removed over 60 rivets. I have a Snap-On air hammer and used a new Snap-On chisel bit. It cuts the rivet heads off like butter. After cutting off the heads, I’d swap out the chisel bit for a punch bit and knock out the rivet. Easy peasy. Wear headphones and apologize to the neighbors afterwards.

Originally Posted by ghalperin (Post 8106249)

When I did my frame, I removed over 60 rivets. I have a Snap-On air hammer and used a new Snap-On chisel bit. It cuts the rivet heads off like butter. After cutting off the heads, I’d swap out the chisel bit for a punch bit and knock out the rivet. Easy peasy. Wear headphones and apologize to the neighbors afterwards.

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402 (Post 8107379)

Unless I'm missing something, there is no snap retainer ring with the original ball joints.

Originally Posted by 427Carl (Post 8101279)

air ? oh ya I forgot . Texas is warm .

Originally Posted by el_fantasma (Post 8110843)

P01s, going old school! When I get ambitious I'll paint/powder coat the wheels white so they really pop.

Originally Posted by VWNate1 (Post 8112054)

*VERY* nice ! .

? Did you do the painting or have it done ? .

Originally Posted by KQQL IT (Post 8112026)

Got this done again, wanted to since I bought dad's truck back.