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.