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Old 10-25-2024, 09:39 AM
78w72 78w72 is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: iowa
Posts: 5,598
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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

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