Front Spring help

sox · 02-10-2014, 02:06 PM

Im installing Front Springs in my 85 Cutlass.What is the best and safest way to do this.I have serveral opinons from other people.Just want the safest way to do this.I do have a internal compressor,but they scare me if it should let go while compressing the Spring.Thanks..

Jim Kaekel · 02-10-2014, 03:03 PM

Stock springs are fairly easy to remove, but a Moroso spring (much taller) could be dangerous without care taken.
I usually get the front end up off the ground and put jack stands in place under the frame. Remove the front tires, front shock, lower control arm bumper and sway bar end link from lower control arm. Remove outer tie rod end from spindle. Install tool on spring and tighten slightly. If a Moroso spring is in place, the spring will have to be compressed quite a ways. I then place a roll away hydraulic jack under the lower control arm, placed very close to the lower ball joint, prior to removing the ball joint nut. Release ball joint from spindle with a ball joint tool or by striking spindle at ball joint. After ball joint is free from spindle, SLOWLY lower control arm and remove spring. Spring may have to be further compressed prior to removal.

Mike Merk · 02-10-2014, 05:06 PM

I would recommend purchasing one of these OTC coil spring compressors: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7045B-Fron...ing+compressor

I purchased one online from Amazon.com and it works fantastic, I don't fear for my life when I use it like I used to with the "hook" type compressor. This one compresses the spring almost effortlessly with a crescent wrench. I have had my front springs in and out several times on a 79 Malibu with this tool, I love it.

L79racer · 02-10-2014, 09:25 PM

I use a piece of 1/2 inch threaded rod two nuts, two washers with a plate on the top and bottom. Back nut on and off. Lubricate the threads. Goes up threw shock mount and lower control arm.

02-10-2014, 02:06 PM	#1
sox Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 99 Likes: 21 Liked 13 Times in 8 Posts	Front Spring help Im installing Front Springs in my 85 Cutlass.What is the best and safest way to do this.I have serveral opinons from other people.Just want the safest way to do this.I do have a internal compressor,but they scare me if it should let go while compressing the Spring.Thanks..

02-10-2014, 03:03 PM	#2
Jim Kaekel VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,227 Likes: 133 Liked 531 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Front Spring help Stock springs are fairly easy to remove, but a Moroso spring (much taller) could be dangerous without care taken. I usually get the front end up off the ground and put jack stands in place under the frame. Remove the front tires, front shock, lower control arm bumper and sway bar end link from lower control arm. Remove outer tie rod end from spindle. Install tool on spring and tighten slightly. If a Moroso spring is in place, the spring will have to be compressed quite a ways. I then place a roll away hydraulic jack under the lower control arm, placed very close to the lower ball joint, prior to removing the ball joint nut. Release ball joint from spindle with a ball joint tool or by striking spindle at ball joint. After ball joint is free from spindle, SLOWLY lower control arm and remove spring. Spring may have to be further compressed prior to removal. __________________ Jim Kaekel 3836 STK

02-10-2014, 05:06 PM	#3
Mike Merk Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Richland, WA Posts: 83 Likes: 579 Liked 111 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Front Spring help I would recommend purchasing one of these OTC coil spring compressors: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7045B-Fron...ing+compressor I purchased one online from Amazon.com and it works fantastic, I don't fear for my life when I use it like I used to with the "hook" type compressor. This one compresses the spring almost effortlessly with a crescent wrench. I have had my front springs in and out several times on a 79 Malibu with this tool, I love it. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Mike Merk

02-10-2014, 09:25 PM	#4
L79racer Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Massapequa, NY Posts: 218 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Front Spring help I use a piece of 1/2 inch threaded rod two nuts, two washers with a plate on the top and bottom. Back nut on and off. Lubricate the threads. Goes up threw shock mount and lower control arm. Last edited by L79racer; 02-10-2014 at 09:47 PM.