Tips for spring removal
 

Getting ready to remove my springs this weekend to cut them. Anyone have any comments.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

I cut 1.25 coils and got about 2 3/4" drop. After you cut the first coil use it as a template with a sharpie on the other one to be exact for the cut.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

no need for a compressor.
Support the truck by the frame
place floor jack under lower a arm and lightly lift... just enough to place a small load on the spring.
Disconnect lower ball joint
slowly lower jack. The spring will simply fall out. It will not be under pressure.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

LonghornMan is correct. Be careful when lowering the jack that you don't pull on the brake line too hard.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

Sweet

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

Why don't you buy new springs. They are cheap. I've had both and I would not recomend cut springs.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

what do you cut the springs with?

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

A 4" fiber disc.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

I'm opposite of hotrodhomi, I've had springs from Belltech, Eibach, Ground Force, and Early Classic. After all that, I've always been just as happy with cutting stock springs. One coil gets 3 inch drop without riding any worse than custom wound lowering springs.

Zumo, there are several ways to separate the lower ball joint. Some ways tend to damage the boot, some don't. I do the "loosen the nut way off and smack the spindle hard with a hammer method". It's never failed to work and doesn't damage the grease boot or anything else like a pickle fork will.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

One man's budget part... is another man's truck budget. Not everyone has 200 bucks to throw at the springs, and many wouldn't call them cheap.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

I guess I'll be the one who recommends using a spring compressor on the front springs.
I know quite a few people don't, but if you are not careful, removing them without one can cause serious injury...

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

If you dont want to risk damaging you ball joints, you can remove the two U bolts that hold the lower control arm to the cross member.Just make sure you put the jack on the cross bar or on a solid place on the lower arm because there will be more flexibility with it only being held by the lower ball joint.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

I am totally with TxFirefighter on this one, the hammer method works very well. Just remember to leave the nut on, loosened by several threads. If you totally remove the nut the spindle/upper a-arm assembly can jump off of the ball-joint stud. This can result in damage to the boot too.

Of course every TV show that I have ever seen uses the pickle fork method, either with a hammer or air-chisel. This is fine if you are replacing the ball-joint.....but not for general dis-assembly and re-assembly of the original parts. This method may also be perfered in the case of custom painted or plated/powder-coated parts.......I think you can still buy the grease boots seperate from the ball-joints, though it has been many years since I tried.

There should not be any tension on the spring when you lower the a-arm, it should drop far enough for the spring to just fall/roll out........be prepared and watch you feet. Newer trucks (or those with new/tight bushings) may require you to pry down a bit to get the spring to drop out....S-10s usually require this too.

The new (shortened) springs got back in just as easily. Just set them in place in the lower pocket and raise the jack. As the spring contacts the upper pocket give it a tug/jiggle to be sure that it seats properly and continue to raise it up to meet the spindle. If it is not centered you will hear/feel a nasty snap when it does pop in under tension.

After you are done installing the spring it is a good idea to make sure that there is some tension on the spring when the suspension is at full droop. (resting on the bump-stop) Execssively shortened springs will be loose especially if the bump-stop is worn or missing.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

where on the spindle do I hit? Won't I damage the threads?

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

Be sure you hit the spindle, not the ball joint stem!!!!:lol:

It may be easier if you have both wheels off the ground, then you can turn the wheels completely to one side to get a bigger area to swing at. Hit the spindle right where the ball joint stem goes through it. Thats another good reason for leaving the nut on, just in case the hammer glances off of the spindle and hits it, it will protect the threads.

Get a BFG, not a little wimpy ball peen. Should only take a good smack or two.:metal:

BTW, I used to work in alignment shops when I was wrenching, and never used a compressor or anything else when removing coils. Struts are a different story, but just lower the arm slowly and nothing will happen.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

SHould I disconnect the shock and sway bar from the lower spindle as well?

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

Yes.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

Cool.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

I've got a brass pin that I use when hammering on anything on my truck. It came out of a U-joint for a big rig. Since the brass is softer than steel, I don't have to worry about damaging the steel.
Ft. Worth Gear and Axle have them, and most likely other places that work on big drive shafts will have them as well.
Toad

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

Yes the nut, Hammer, smack works great! I have been doing it this way for about 20yrs now with out fail or injury. Just did it yesterday on "Project Trazer" (blazer section) so we can detail the frame and install a "C" notch kit.Zumo do you plan on just cutting the front springs or also the rear? I think the rear will give you some trouble trying to clamp them back inplace. May be someone has a tip on this as well for you since we have only be talking acout the fronts so far! Good luck and do not for get the brfore and after pics!!!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: Any tips for spring removal?
 

you can't (at least shouldn't) cut the rear springs they are tapered or pigtailed.