I needed to tear down my front suspension to repair some paint problems... dreaded spring removal... I first tried with an internal compressor and could never get it where I liked it.... bought externals and couldn't get them in place because of the lower tubular control arm...

finally assembled the internal INSIDE the spring (that was fun) after modifying it and got them done...

after paint I don't want to mess it up so I'm looking for ideas/suggestions/new contraptions/flux converters.... WHATEVER I can find to make this job easier and not screw up the paint again.....

also kicking around the idea of powder coat on control arms and springs again after sand blast...

I'm listening !!!

john

 

I used 5/8 all thread put it in place of the shocks. Welded nut on lower and put large flat washer on so it would not go through the shock hole then used large washer again for top with nut again crank down and go. You can weld the top nut on and use and impact then just cut off nut or use a stop nut. Worked great. I am trying to find pics of it and if I can I will post. Grade 5 will work but if you feel that you need more tensile then use grade 8 alloy. Let me know if you use this and how it works. The regular spring compressors do not stay put like the old ones.

 

Powder coat will definitely hold up better and is solvent resistant, gas, brake fluid ect. You'll want to remove your ball joints though as the oven will most likely damage the guts of em.

I would never recommend ratchet straps alone. But used in conjunction of a metallic spring compressor of some sort (internal or external) can help keep the spring straight. Here is a video of some random dude using ratchet straps AND spring compressors.


Good luck with it.

 

tried compressor tool but ended up using all thread 3/4" rod. There is a lot of tension in the process...I what constantly ready to start running if it let go, but it worked well.


Tom

 

It depends on the size of the spaces between and angle of the windings as to what type of compressors work best. Usually I use a pair of the simple external hook and rod style compressors:
MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set
sometimes needed this type:
Single Action Strut Spring Compressor
If the engine is in it, I have had pretty good luck with unhooking shock and sway bar, jacking under the lower A frame until full weight is on jack. Loosen lower ball joint nut and pop the joint with a pickle fork. Remove the nut and slowly lower the jack with the frame supported on a jack stand to uncompress spring. Reverse to install. Just used this method on my sister and BIL's 2003 Ford F150 when replacing the upper and lower control arms. Pretty easy.