[455hota]

Can I assume Bob that this method when you get to the floor jack stage under the lower control arm, will only work if the sub frame is installed in the car with some weight pressing down ? If the sub frame is separate, won't the floor jack just raise the whole sub frame and not push up only the lower control arm?


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[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by 455hota

Can I assume Bob that this method when you get to the floor jack stage under the lower control arm, will only work if the sub frame is installed in the car with some weight pressing down ? If the sub frame is separate, won't the floor jack just raise the whole sub frame and not push up only the lower control arm?


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I will see if I can explain it , as I have done many this way. The Subframe can be on a set of saw horses, the "jacking bolt" and washers are through and on top of the SHOCK hole
The "hooks ( which are angular so they match the curve of the spring angle) are inside the spring, threaded on the jacking bolt. YOu use a Impact Gun ( oil on threads) to tighten the "hooks" and pull them towards the top of the shock tower, making sure your spring is "clocked" into the Grove for it. This pulls the spring up enough to swing the lower A frame up and connect it to the spindle. If you use a thick ratchet strap under the A frame for safety youll Not scratch anything.
You can also use 2 sets of hooks and squeeze the spring together ( loading it with a lot of tension), then slide the unit up into the shock tower and connect the A Frame, then unscrew. This second way , to me is a bit more dangerous having all the energy in your hands and not much chance for a safe escape if something ( made in china) broke. ( Hex end of threaded rod goes Down for this type of install)
Fact, Springs in later 70's, Brand new, On the Transport, had little to Zero paint, and had scratches in a few spots too)

[njsteve]

The old timer methud for installing springs in an empty frame was to wrap a chain around the bottom of the floor jack and the top of the frame rail and lock the loop of chain in place with a minimum of slack. This way when you start to lift the subframe with the jack, at a certain point the chain will be be fully extended with no slack and the jack will now start compressing the control arm and spring.