need help with front coil springs

[bowhay]

im trying to install my coil springs and control arms on a 80 t/a but everytime i try to jack up the bottom arm the body of the car starts to lift, any suggesions or tricks i could try?

[oldandtired]

You probably have no motor / trans weight to compress the springs.
Coil spring compressor is the safest way. I have also run a chain around the frame and under a floor jack, jacking against the lower a arm. It's dangerous no matter how you do it. Lots of kinetic energy that would love to jump out and bite you.

[DirkaDirka]

Is there a way you can anchor the body down to the floor to prevent it from lifting??

[bowhay]

no theres not, where might i find a coil spring compressor or would i have to order it

[DirkaDirka]

If you have an auto part store around they should have tools you can rent.

[bowhay]

alrighty then thanks

[Tod74]

Look in the yellow pages for a spring place.There is a place in Indy that sells springs and For around $20 they will compress a pair of springs for you and band them together.You just instal everything then reach in with some cutters and cut the band.

[bowhay]

i went and got one from the parts store and got it done, thanx for the help guys

[TheRabbit]

FYI, Harbor Freight has a cheap coil spring compressor if you only need to use one every now and then.

[TheYellaBrick]

ESPECIALLY for this particular job, I would NEVER use a cheap Chinese junk tool. :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: Good way to loose your head !!
Load it on a car trailer and tie it down to so you can use a floor jack under the 'A'arm to compress it.

[Tod74]

I have done it all different ways. I've used all thread,I've tied the car down and used a floor jack,and I've used a Spring compressor..but by far the best way is this.




Look in the yellow pages for a spring place.There is a place in Indy that sells springs and For around $20 they will compress a pair of springs for you and band them together.You just instal everything then reach in with some cutters and cut the band.

[MEMRACING62]

ESPECIALLY for this particular job, I would NEVER use a cheap Chinese junk tool. :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: Good way to loose your head !!
Load it on a car trailer and tie it down to so you can use a floor jack under the 'A'arm to compress it. I dont think they make a good american made one any more. I think the OTC set I have is made you know where :x

[TheRabbit]

ESPECIALLY for this particular job, I would NEVER use a cheap Chinese junk tool. :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: Good way to loose your head !!
Load it on a car trailer and tie it down to so you can use a floor jack under the 'A'arm to compress it.

I'm with you on buying as much american as I can, but if you don't buy anything made outside of the USA you will be walking to work naked. :( Everything has something to do with some or part of it from over seas anymore.

[TheYellaBrick]

ESPECIALLY for this particular job, I would NEVER use a cheap Chinese junk tool. :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: Good way to loose your head !!
Load it on a car trailer and tie it down to so you can use a floor jack under the 'A'arm to compress it.

I'm with you on buying as much american as I can, but if you don't buy anything made outside of the USA you will be walking to work naked. :( Everything has something to do with some or part of it from over seas anymore.

Oh yeah, I hear ya !
I'm talking about the quality of the parts that critical tools are made of. One little single weak link in the multiple parts that make up a spring compressor and that spring explodes. Looking back on all the times and methods I've used to compress automotive coil springs, it's a wonder I've still retained my OWN head ! :shock: :shock:

[TheRabbit]

ESPECIALLY for this particular job, I would NEVER use a cheap Chinese junk tool. :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: Good way to loose your head !!
Load it on a car trailer and tie it down to so you can use a floor jack under the 'A'arm to compress it.

I'm with you on buying as much american as I can, but if you don't buy anything made outside of the USA you will be walking to work naked. :( Everything has something to do with some or part of it from over seas anymore.

Oh yeah, I hear ya !
I'm talking about the quality of the parts that critical tools are made of. One little single weak link in the multiple parts that make up a spring compressor and that spring explodes. Looking back on all the times and methods I've used to compress automotive coil springs, it's a wonder I've still retained my OWN head ! :shock: :shock:

Me too. I've had them shoot all the way across the shop. remember I use to be a Ford truck guy. :oops: :oops: