Tried to install the rest of my IFS this weekend while the weather was nice, but ran into a bit of a snag when we went to install the coil springs. What's the appropriate uncompressed height for the springs? We're having trouble compressing them enough with a coil compressor, so is it possible that the springs are a bit too tall? We can't use a jack to jack up the lower control arm; there's no weight at all holding the frame down since we're building on just a bare frame. Any advice?

 

I had the exact same problem when I was installing my springs. I wondered how people get the chrome ones installed without scratching them, because mine are painted black, and I put plenty of scratches on them.

The answer I have probably won't be to encouraging, but hard work and determination will get them on there. I thought when I started that it would be an easy install. Boy was I wrong.

There are two different types of spring compressors. The first I used was this one:



The problem I had was getting the stupid thing out of the middle. So i ended up taking it back and switching it out for these:



When you use these, you have to ensure that you put them low enough that the spring has enough room to sit into the top. Also make sure that you line up the bottom of the spring where it seats into the groove. I didn't do this the first time and tried getting it to turn by using an air hammer and the thing wouldn't budge. So I ended up having to take it off and start all over again.

Probably wasn't much help, but good luck.

 

another tip is to tighten one clamp more than the other so you put a bend into the spring. this way the spring sits better in the lower pocket when you jack up the lower arm.

they are not the easiest things to install, just takes patience and more patirnce to get them in.



rgds
Mike

 

I found a pretty good way to install the springs using the first type compressor shown. I only use the bottom set of clamps.

Just put the compressor shaft down through the top hat for the spring, screw the bottom clamps on the shaft untill they engage the 2nd or 3rd set of coils(can't remember which). and start cranking from the top. I have had my springs in and out many times now with no problem, and without feeling like the whole thing was going to blow up in my face.

I hope I was clear enough explaining. It really works well.

 

be carefull. they could kick like a mule.

 

I like it, I like it a lot! Thanks