Front springs

V

vorsberg

Member
Joined
May 4, 2017
I`m rebuilding the front suspension on my -86 GN , just to be sure ...
Square end down , tangential end up ?
 
I’m drawing a blank as far as the terms go, but the open coil goes on the bottom and the flatter end goes on top as in the photo.

DFDDFE66-E382-46BF-9B61-D3B1D49168C0.jpeg
 
1986 Buick GX1 said:
I’m drawing a blank as far as the terms go, but the open coil goes on the bottom and the flatter end goes on top as in the photo.

View attachment 342259
Click to expand...
I found an inside spring compressor
1986 Buick GX1 said:
I’m drawing a blank as far as the terms go, but the open coil goes on the bottom and the flatter end goes on top as in the photo.

View attachment 342259
Click to expand...
1986 Buick GX1 said:
I’m drawing a blank as far as the terms go, but the open coil goes on the bottom and the flatter end goes on top as in the photo.

View attachment 342259
Click to expand...
I found an inside spring compressor that fitted nicely after I cut the treaded rod down to 10 in. I used a marker pen to mark the correct position of the spring, made it a lot easier to find the right position. But I hate working with springs , I know they want to get me. One of the old springs was upside down and the other was out of position. New springs, tall lower ball joints,poly bushings. Can't wait to test it after alignment.
15609786905525747718558666930557.jpg
 
I found it hard to keep the spring and isolator centered on the pilot in the frame pocket at the top so I took the hooks off the end opposite the bolt head and stuck the threaded end through the frame and screwed the block on top, then held the spring tight to the frame so I didn’t have to hold the spring up while putting everything together.
 
1986 Buick GX1 said:
I found it hard to keep the spring and isolator centered on the pilot in the frame pocket at the top so I took the hooks off the end opposite the bolt head and stuck the threaded end through the frame and screwed the block on top, then held the spring tight to the frame so I didn’t have to hold the spring up while putting everything together.
Click to expand...
Never thought about that, I had to reposition the claws and hook an extra coil to it and compress it really tight.
It made wierd noises,really scary I hate coil springs.! After that there was no problem.
I taped the isolator to the spring with cable wrap tape ? don`t know what you call it english.
 
It sounds like you got it. Messing with coil springs is unnerving, it’s like they’re just waiting to come apart and tear your head off.
 
1986 Buick GX1 said:
It sounds like you got it. Messing with coil springs is unnerving, it’s like they’re just waiting to come apart and tear your head off.
Click to expand...

I had a spring compressor fail while I was holding the assembly in my hands once.


I threw those underwear away.
 
vorsberg said:
Never thought about that, I had to reposition the claws and hook an extra coil to it and compress it really tight.
It made wierd noises,really scary I hate coil springs.! After that there was no problem.
I taped the isolator to the spring with cable wrap tape ? don`t know what you call it english.
Click to expand...
Thats the way I do it too. Plus you can get more compression on it that way and it's less likely to slip.
 
captrob said:
The only on car spring compressor I will ever use. Very heavy duty. Takes most of the terror away! :oops:

Amazon.com: OTC 7045B Front Coil Spring Compressor: Automotive

Buy OTC 7045B Front Coil Spring Compressor: Coil Springs - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
View attachment 342466
Click to expand...
They look very sturdy, but the next time I think I will fabricate a fixture for the bushings GM factory repair manual style and leave the LCA connected at the balljoint
 
No need a spring Compressor,let the lower control arm connected at the balljoint,put the spring in place And Jack the LCA,replaplace the two long LCA Bolt,safe Way to do the job
 
Hi Jared,
Since it's still NIB and never been used....I'd say 1/2 of new price (plus shipping)
I'll eat the PayPal fee
 
Are you going to GS Nationals in Bowling Green ?
I’ve got a buddy going and could send this down with him .
Pics to follow
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

SETXTurbo
Help Diagnosing a Hard Contact Point/Noise
Replies
9
Views
702
AN/GSC-52
AN/GSC-52
T
Coil Spring Replacement
Replies
4
Views
613
Pronto
Pronto
F
Any issues with running 15x8 Aluminum wheels in the front?
Replies
2
Views
364
fitz3820
F
P
Powermaster Accumulator Ball thread
Replies
2
Views
649
Pontiacattack
P
Azrial89
Suspension for twisties.
Replies
6
Views
1K
Azrial89
Azrial89
Top