Best way to get the front coils out?

[SRT-6]

What is the best way to get the front coil springs out on a 94 4x4. The previous owner put 2" spacers in and I want to take them out.

 

[JConley]

Rent a spring compressor, and be carefull!! I used one to take the springs out of a 66 mustang, and almost lost a few fingers when the compressor slipped.



Through leather gloves, it ripped the hide off the side of my hand. I will remember that one for a while

 

[**ICEMAN**]

jack the front of truck up and support it by the frame with jack stands. use 2 jacks to support the axle. remove the top shock bolts and the shock mounting bracket(tower). lower the front axle and there may be enough room to pull out the spacer with out having to remove the bottom shock bolts. if not then remove the shock. unbolting the sway bar will give you extra room when you lower the axle. you will need the oem spacer with 3 studs pressed in it to reinstall the shock towers. also the rubber cushion goes back in on top the coil spring.

hope this helps.

 

[Jeff H]

My axle did not drop far enough to pull out the coils. Get a spring comoressor. I jacked up one side all the way then stuck the spring compressor in and cranked on it till I would not go any farther. Then release the jack. Spring should come right out now.

 

[EScott]

None of the spring compressors for rent, or sale around here are designed to compress a spring this big. Most are intended for MacPherson struts etc. Did any of you guys who used a compressor get a make, model number by chance.



I used one fo the MacPherson strut compressors to change out the springs on my friends Hummer, not fun threaded rod all bowed out etc.



Erin

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Here's the best idea... .

Here's a lot easier way to go about removing your front coils: Roll your truck over onto its roof so you can relieve most of the tension on the coils. It's also handy since you don't have to bend over to reach 'em. Then just have a buddy lift up on the axle while you pop 'em out





OK OK maybe that's not such a good idea. You'd need to round up a lot of beer buddies to help ya with the rolling over part

 

[DarrellB]

Don't Know If I Would

Saw a guy that drag races cars take and jack up the car and then put about a blue million plastic wire ties on the springs then lower the jack and then walla instant spring compressor. But with the monster springs on the front of or trucks I don't think I would be brave enough to try it. I would sure hate to see those springs when the wire ties started braking



Big D

 

[BK]

I asked the owner of the local 4x4 shop.

does just what the Iceman says. .

and unbolts the brake calipers, swaybar, track bar shocks...

I think thats about it. basically anything keeping you from droping the axle as far as it needs to go and anything you dont want to stress.



He doesnt use spring compressors.

He's done a ton of dodge lifts.

 

[KYOUNG]

Springs

I jacked the body up until the wheels were off the ground. I already had the shocks out to change them . The coil springs came right out, no problem!

 

[SS]

I had to remove the shock towers, shocks, front sway bar links, and the front bolt on the upper control arms (I think I left track bar attached, but I don't remember for sure). This allowed plenty of droop to install 3" spacers. You may be able to do it for 2" spacers without removing the upper control arm bolts. Much easier than spring compressor IMHO (and safer too). I also recommend you should loosen/tighten all of the control arm bolts to allow the bushings to settle in their new neutral position and set the caster while you're at it.



Good luck.

 

[B-52]

Hey 6BT



As a couple of other guys pointed out here, no compressor needed. Before you start, it's easier if you completely loosen the shock stud nuts and disconnect the swaybar to begin with. (If you do not disc. the swaybar, you'll end up with the end-links all bent up and spring will not come out - yes, it is scary that I know this. )



From this point, you want to end up with the front of the truck raised as high as possible on jackstands under the frame, with both front wheels removed. You will be truly amazed at how far the axle will droop with swaybar and top of shock disconnected!(+/- maybe 18 inches)



Once you get to this point, you'll need to remove bottom shock mounting bolts. Spring may come out at this point with just a few good tugs. If not, use a bottle jack to push down slightly on the axle - there is a flat where the control arm attaches to axle and an unused bumpstop bracket on frame which makes this easy. Just watch the brake line & it is fine - I had to do this myself to install my springs when adding the 2" spacer.



Good luck,

Mike

 

[wcaldwell]

Hey Vaughn,



That sounds like an idea - not necessarily a good idea, but an idea. My first thought when I read the post was "torch".

 

[mediccummin]

?

Since no one has asked yet. Why do you want to remove the spacers?