I'm currently trying to replace the rear coil springs. I disconnected the lower shock mounts and unbolted the brake line bracket. Even with the rear axle lowered as far as it can go, The springs wont budge. Is there something else I'm supposed to do? Do I need to disconnect any of the control arms or is there a better way? Could I use an external coil spring compressor (strut style)?

Thanks in advance!

 

On the 1960's-70's I've worked on just dropping the shock mount has been enough to pull the springs out. If you have a friend to help, you might try pushing down on the brake drum compressing the far side spring, then try to pull the one out that has less pressure on it. Sometimes a long 2"X4" piece of lumber can be a safe pry bar. You could remove the control arms that connect the pumpkin part of the rear end with the underside of the car, that would give you more room to drop the rear end. I wouldn't think you would need to do that though. John

 

This is how I did mine. Without the rear sway bar on. Do one side at a time.
-Put the frame of car on stands lifting only the back. Just high enough to take the wheels off the ground.
-Take off the wheel on the side you are working on.
-Have a floor jack under/holding axle on same side.
-Remove bottom of shock on that same side.
-Lower jack, and remove.
If this is not low enough to take the spring out? Use floor jack, or small 2 ton jack to lift the other side of rear axle.
This should get it out, and you should replace mounting rubber for the springs while you have it out.

PM if you have any question about this post.

 

Thanks to both of you. That did the trick!