rear coil spring removal
#2
Springs
I'm pretty sure last time I did that I supported the frame on jack stands, removed the tires, removed the lower shock mount bolts on each side. Then I rocked the axle housing down on one side, pulled the spring out, then went to the other side and did the same. I don't think I removed the trailing arms or messed with the brake lines. John
#4
Yes, unbolt the shocks ( I used a floor jack) and I jacked the body up till the spring would clear. It's not as difficult as it sounds/seems.
#5
Don't remove the shocks until you drop the axle as far as possible. You may not need to remove them. Also..... You're going to have the car up high (especially if you don't remove the tires), so please, make sure you have redundant supports under your car. Don't risk getting crushed. Safety first!
#7
Definitely safety first! Also be careful working around suspension parts when the springs are compressed. If one of those springs pops out when it is partially compressed it won't just fly across the room.
When I was doing the front suspension on my 64 98 I used a floor jack to compress the springs between the control arms when I put everything back together. It was pretty scary hearing the spring pop and creak as I compressed it. I was glad when I got the ball joints bolted to the spindle.
When I was doing the front suspension on my 64 98 I used a floor jack to compress the springs between the control arms when I put everything back together. It was pretty scary hearing the spring pop and creak as I compressed it. I was glad when I got the ball joints bolted to the spindle.
#9
rear coil removal
Hi everyone
thanks for all your help, replaced the rear coil springs last week and everything went excellent. I did however have to remove the passanger side wheel. I had trouble getting the coil around the tail pipe.
Thanks again for everyones help
cola
thanks for all your help, replaced the rear coil springs last week and everything went excellent. I did however have to remove the passanger side wheel. I had trouble getting the coil around the tail pipe.
Thanks again for everyones help
cola
#13
Not to resurrect, but this method worked great. I purchased Moog Variable Rate Wagon springs for my 1969 4 door Cutlass. It was relatively simple, jack up one side, unbolt the shock, keep going up, remove the old spring, replace with the new spring (needed a bit of leverage to get them in, but no spring compressor), re-bolt the shock, and complete. Confirming that I did need to remove the passenger rear tire, as there is no clearance for removal/reinstallation with the exhaust in the way. That said, the car looks AWESOME, with a very nice 60's rake to it, and this method worked great.
Michael
Michael
#14
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Only thing that I found helped make the job faster/easier was when removing the shocks I didn't waste time undoing the nut/bolt (unless there's no corrosion and they'll spin off easy). Just overtighten the nut till it busts the end right off the bolt. New bolts and nuts go on soooo much easier. Also a good time to replace the worn rubber shock isolators!
#15
If it is possible (not in every case) that leaving the wheel on gives extra weight to pull the axle down more for easier removal/insertion. Worked for me, but exhaust config is a factor. Also your jack has to get it up high enough. I put mine on 2x8 pieces.
I swapped them without even getting under the car - just working through the wheelwells.
I swapped them without even getting under the car - just working through the wheelwells.
#16
I am about to do this myself also. My 72 supreme has the late 70s butt in the air look that I want to get rid of. I'm going to put sensa trac shocks on also. The front will wait till next year when I can do the control arm bushings. It handles like a pregnant turtle and squeals the front tires around corners even when going slow.
#17
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...t-end-job.html
Don't let the mightaswell bugs bite!
#18
Last night I tried to take out rear springs. It must have wagon springs in it cause they are over 15 inches long and wont come out! AAARRRGH!! Ill have to get spring compressor monday, busey non automotive weekend planned.
#19
Separate subject, what should I do about my shocks, install longer ones? How long?
Michael
#20
Just a note of cation, make sure the axle doesn't hang up with the E brake cable or rubber brake hoses.
When I put new rear springs in my '83 Cutlass wagon I did the whole job before my girlfriend had made coffee, we started both jobs at the same time.
Doing the fronts was a whole different ball game, took two of us half a day.
Roger.
When I put new rear springs in my '83 Cutlass wagon I did the whole job before my girlfriend had made coffee, we started both jobs at the same time.
Doing the fronts was a whole different ball game, took two of us half a day.
Roger.
#21
Mission complete!!! It went great. Springs that came out measured 19 inches! Not sure what they came out of but WOW they are huge. The car sits normal now and rides better too. Cant wait till next year to redo front suspension. Most everything is original 1972 parts.
#24
John
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