Any particular tricks to replacing the front springs in an '84? Finally got around to getting my set from Performance Suspension.

My book says to use my jack to take the load off the lower A-arm bolts, pull the bolts, and gently lower the arm to free the spring. They also recomend looping a chain around the spring and arm just in case something slips.

Anything else I should know?

yeah, make sure your life and health insurance is paid up. seriously, you need to go rent a spring compressor. not expensive, and definitely cheaper than the hospital.

Thanks--I have a spring compressor that I use on the other car with struts. Seems like a better idea than the jack trick.

Just replaced my front springs two weeks ago,You will defintely need to use your spring compresser,I could`nt have done them with the jack like I have before.Also take a look at the lower ball joints,now is the time to replace them if they show much wear. Be careful!!

Spring compressors will surely make this job easier and SAFER! I would stongly recommend replacing all 4 ball joints and control arm bushings while it's all apart, so you'll be done with it. You'll get that new car feel and be glad you did! 8) ps. I have never heard of pulling the control arm bolts to get to the springs. I always get to them from the ball joints. :?

Well the job went OK. The car handles so much better with a matched set of springs. PO had some high lift springs in the rear and it always felt like the front and rear of the car were doing different things in a curve. I'm more into corners than straight lines. And it corners flatter too (about 1" lower than stock). The trade is that bumbs are a little more noticeable.

Anyway, I tried removing the front springs using a floor jack to support the lower A-arm, taking the load off the attach bolts to the frame while removing the bolts. Actually I didn't really have room for the coil spring compressor. The jack worked great, able to lower the arm in a controlled fashion till all spring pressure was relieved (5th gen ElCamino). The trick is to position the jack under the car, so the natural swing of the lift arm will push the A-arm outward as you lower it. Using the jack the usual way, reaching in from outside the car, just pushes the A-arm into the front cross member. (having tried both ways now...)

But I needed the spring compressor for the rear springs, They are so tall that they were still under load after detaching the shocks -- the suspension couldn't drop far enough to release them, Who wanted tall rear springs??
Seriously, (I recall seeing a thread on the subject) If someone wants springs to raise the rear, contact me. These will do it.

And I heartily agree that rebuilding the whole front end, since I had it half apart anyway, would have been a good idea. But I'm a test engineer by trade, and changing one thing at a time teaches me what affects what. Getting the front and rear to work together, and the whole car a little lower and stiffer, makes it a lot easier to live with.

I also have a set of tall rear springs laying around. When I changed from air shocks to Kybs & air bags the rear still sit to high for my liking so I went to MC SS springs which sit about right to me.

I also have a set of tall rear springs laying around. What would you need to have for those tall springs Tommy? I can't put airbags on right now, but need to raise the bed a bit.

I used a spring compresser when I installed them because the rear would not hang low enough to squeeze them in. As far as the springs go, a guy at work has allready claimed them. Sorry. I will check at my local junk yard to see if the springs are in that other wagon.

As far as the springs go, a guy at work has allready claimed them. Sorry. I will check at my local junk yard to see if the springs are in that other wagon.


8) I'd apprecieate it! Which junk yard down there are you dealin' with???

I live in Indian Trail. A friend of mine named Jerry has a small junk yard off 74. I go there around once a week to see what "new donor" cars he has got. 8-)

I live in Indian Trail... 8) I'm through there on 74 several times a week. (i've been supporting a customer in Rockingham). If you see a black vette with black wheels and sidepipes....gimme a wave!

And thanks for checkin for me! :-D

Alchem, You come with in 2 miles of my house.(off 74) Give me a call sometime so we can hook up. 704-882-6823

Alchem, You come with in 2 miles of my house.(off 74) Give me a call sometime so we can hook up. 704-882-6823 8) Will do!!! 8)