Coil Spring Swap

[LilSpann601]

Well today i got the nerve to start on my coil springs. I will be replacing the stock v6 springs with moog 5608 heavy duty springs. I wasn't able to remove the top shock bolt so i took the socket and a long extension and broke the stud off..I tried to remove the sway bar links but they broke in half also. so I will be replacig the sway bar links..Can someone tell me which size sway bar links i need to get from autozone my car is a 1981 monte carlo?

Tomorrow I will be installing the springs im going to compress the spring with the tool and warp a chain around the compressed part of the coil. I hope everything works out.

Also are the lower ball joints on these g-bodies pressed in???

 

[bill]

check out this thread....remember, you can always do a search on this forum under the various boards that will usually get you the answers you need.. and yes, those lower ball joints are pressed in and are not fun without the right tools. As for the swaybar end links, best bet is to measure the old ones or take them with you to AutoZone and go from there.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=19114&hilit=+coil+spring

 

[thedoctorisin]

You can remove your spring without pulling the ball joints apart. Just pull the two bolts holding the lower control arm to the frame and swing the arm away and let the spring drop out.

 

[bill]

You can remove your spring without pulling the ball joints apart. Just pull the two bolts holding the lower control arm to the frame and swing the arm away and let the spring drop out.

Looks like hes a bit past that point....I think the task at hand now is installing the new ones. Take your time, and definately have someone to help you and to keep an eye on things. The lower control arms are not easy to install with new, stronger coil springs. I had to use threaded rod and large washers to pull everything up together and still had a heck of a time getting the LCA bolts in. I recommend replacing the LCA bushings while you have it off, and the ball joints too. Clean everything and paint it up good. You be glad you did all the extra work when you drive it.

 

[megaladon6]

if you are putting in lower coils, the sway bar link length will change. hold the bar so the ends are parallel to the ground and measure the distance to the control arm.
you may also want to replace the sway bar bushings while you're at it.

 

[LilSpann601]

update: completed the passenger side today. only thing left now is the find the correct sway bar links. I looked on autozone's website they only car 2 different sizes??? which size sway bars do yall use on the v8 g-bodies

 

[G-Body_Vet]

update: completed the passenger side today. only thing left now is the find the correct sway bar links. I looked on autozone's website they only car 2 different sizes??? which size sway bars do yall use on the v8 g-bodies

The ones to get are the Moog "problem solver" Heavy duty. They're thermoplastic polyurethane vs the normal rubber ones. The listed g-body application calls for PN K8988. That's for everything from a V6 MC to an SS, to a GN. No difference across the lines.

There are other lengths available if you need them. Just what the other guys were saying, you may need something shorter if the car is that much lower.

This chart shows a comparison of Moog springs rates, load heights, free heights, etc if it's any help.
http://jeffd.50megs.com/Moog_Spring_Page.htm

 

[Bonnewagon]

I agree that all the other stuff should be done now too. Bushings, ball joints, etc, while it's all apart. The new springs just may destroy the old junk anyway. Ask me how I know.