Front coil spring install..

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Jan 17, 2015 | 07:16 PM

Speedjester

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Front coil spring install..

Well I'm looking to bringhe truck up to its stock ride height... Right now if I jack the front up.. Both strings fall out..(PO cut a few coils off).. Question ..How do I get the new springs in? Do I use a spring compressor? Or do I have to break the knuckle loose?

Any help would be appreciate..Thank you

Jan 17, 2015 | 08:32 PM

Becky_is_a_66

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From: Asheville, NC

Cannot speak for 4 WD

If it is a 2 WD then no compressor is needed if jacked all the way up and on stands. Take the top retainer off and remove the bolt/nut that holds the bottom spring seat in place. Just need a jack under I-beam to catch the weight of the beam and spindle.

Jan 17, 2015 | 09:29 PM

Speedjester

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Maybe I didn't take a good look.. But what do you mean by retainer?.... Not very familiar with I beam and king pin setup.... Any pics by chance?

Thank you

Jan 18, 2015 | 05:07 PM

Becky_is_a_66

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From: Asheville, NC

Here is the bottom; the bottom of the spring is smaller in diameter; the large washer keeps the bottom of spring on I-Beam

Here is the top; the two bolts hold the upper retainer

Here is the RH side on a 1966 F100 2WD

Jan 18, 2015 | 05:18 PM

Speedjester

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Thanks pal... I understand now...is the retainer your referring to a clamp that holds the top of the spring? If it is... Mine are missing...can I buy it somewhere? Are they really neccessary ? The spring falls out now..since the coils were cut.. But if I put the stock springs back in.will they still pop out without the upper retainer or will they sit in the pocket under pressure?

Thanks again..I really appreciate you taking the time..

Jan 18, 2015 | 05:39 PM

Becky_is_a_66

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From: Asheville, NC

The top retainer is pretty simple and can be easily fabricated; I cannot recall seeing them for sell. I would consider the retainer necessary; want something in there to hold spring in place if you hit a big bump.

If you look at the top piece you can see there is a groove the spring sits in; the retainer holds the spring in that groove which both prevents the spring from rotating and from moving away.

Hopefully Someone that can upload a line drawing from the parts book will respond so you can see what the upper retainer looks like