[ws6speedpaul]

I am replacing all the front end steering and suspension wearable components.

What is the best way to safely remove the coils, including any tools and tips that y'all may have?

Thanks in advance for this one!

[Sirrotica]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15riugjfob0

Here's a You Tube video that depicts how to do it without a spring compressor, the same way I've done it for over 50 years. When I started working on cars (late 60s. early 70s at Vo tech) spring compressors weren't around like they are now, so we used a floor jack to release the kinetic energy slowly.

Once you lower the bottom A frame to about a 45-degree angle, the stored energy is released, and you just pry the spring out of the pocket.

The guy also makes some rubber insulators for the top of the spring and tapes them in place before installing it. This is to help avoid creaking when the spring moves on the upper mount as it compresses. For years all GM cars used insulators, but later years they stopped using them to save a nickel. Before you put the ball joint castle nut on make sure the upper end of the spring is fully seated in the raised portion of the inner frame. It's fairly easy to miss that, and you end up with a lopsided car, speaking from experience...........

I use a floor jack in place of a spring compressor, just use common sense and it works just fine.

Changing lower ball joints is a pain because they're press fit, but it can be done on the car. Shop manuals tell you to remove the lower control arm, and press them out, but it can be done with jacks, a hammer, and a little heat is sometimes required. Or a ball joint press if you want to buy or rent one.

Upper ball joints are riveted, just cut the rivets off, and bolt the new ones back in.

Control arm bushings can also be done without a press, but a press makes it easier.

It all depends on skill level, and how much you're willing to spend. You can do it without any special tools, but it's harder. the specialty tools make it easier for a novice.

[78w72]

Just posted this on the same question in the suspension section...

Ive removed & installed front coils on a 2nd gen probably 15-20 times, easiest way is to use a spring compressor that the rod goes through the top shock hole & threads onto the 2 hooks that go inside the spring & grab on the lower area of the coils. then just compress the spring with a big ratchet or breaker bar, not a impact gun. when its pulled up about half its compression you can drop the lower arm, release the tension & remove the spring. Reverse procedure for install. Much easier than using the floor jack under the arm, especially for the install, be sure to get the spring clocked in the right location, the end of the coil should be in the indent of the arm right at or ~half way over the 2 drain holes.

Also, another option to break free the ball joints if you dont have a pickle fork or dont want to damage the grease boot, is to loosen the top & bottom castle nuts a few turns but still full threads engaged, then use a BFH to whack on the knuckle a few times & the spring pressure will break it free... obviously before compressing the spring.

For security purposes I run a chain through the spring & over the frame with a clevis grab hook on the end, like a logging chain, to catch the spring if it decides to jump out or compressor breaks.

This is the style compressor I prefer, you only use the rod & hooks, not the fork piece.

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Spring-Co...d734dd916a066a

[ws6speedpaul]

Thanks so much for the very quick and informative responses...they are both very valuable indeed!

This forum is an awesome group of like minded and extremely helpful men, thanks!