Converting to tubular a arms

[Kelvin's80442]

The rubber ring goes on top of the spring to eliminate squeaking. Consider using new ones depending upon how shredded your existing ones are.
View attachment 198500

Looking up into the frame pocket:

https://gbodyforum.com/attachments/dsc_3243-jpg.117483

Here is the ring taped onto the spring (supposed to be flat):

https://gbodyforum.com/attachments/dsc_3258-jpg.117487

Oh oops okay, thanks for that note. I will order some. Surprised that moog don't pack them with the springs.

 

[melloelky]

Yes they are junk, not using old ones. Have Bilsteins for front and back

For fronts shocks if they are junk, I just take a deep wheel socket on a long extension to bend the shaft a few times until it breaks off at the base,

i watched my dad do this a few times when i was younger,i thought he was nuts.make sure the socket fits sung.if the 9/16 socket's a little loose try a 14mm.as i got older,i realized he was..🙂

 

[565bbchevy]

i watched my dad do this a few times when i was younger, i thought he was nuts, make sure the socket fits snug if the 9/16 socket's a little loose try a 14mm.as i got older, i realized he was..🙂

The stud holding tool works fine if you are saving the shocks but using it on old rusted threads on shocks you are throwing away is a waste of time IMO.

 

[Kelvin's80442]

The rubber ring goes on top of the spring to eliminate squeaking. Consider using new ones depending upon how shredded your existing ones are.
View attachment 198500

Looking up into the frame pocket:

https://gbodyforum.com/attachments/dsc_3243-jpg.117483

Here is the ring taped onto the spring (supposed to be flat):

https://gbodyforum.com/attachments/dsc_3258-jpg.117487

The looks from your photo, you have a jack under the control arm with a block. I am assuming you have the car blocked up as well?

 

[64nailhead]

If the motor is in the car, then you can use the weight of the car to keep the spring compressed.

A jack stand under the frame and your floor jack under the spring will work just fine, especially if you’re putting in a shorter spring.

Don’t overthink it, and keep your fingers and eyeballs out of the way.

 

[Wraith]

If the motor is in the car, then you can use the weight of the car to keep the spring compressed.

A jack stand under the frame and your floor jack under the spring will work just fine, especially if you’re putting in a shorter spring.

Don’t overthink it, and keep your fingers and eyeballs out of the way.

Crotchal region also

 

[ssn696]

The looks from your photo, you have a jack under the control arm with a block. I am assuming you have the car blocked up as well?

I always use jack stands. Back when I was younger and dumber, I got away with only compressing the control arms several times. I did run a 1" tie-down strap through the frame and spring to prevent mortal kombat. Now I use a spring compressor...it's actually easier when you are using lowering springs.

Note that this method does not work so well without an engine installed - you'll end up lifting the car off the jackstand before getting the bushing bolts inserted...

 

[64nailhead]

I always use jack stands. Back when I was younger and dumber, I got away with it several times. I did run a 1" tie-down strap through the frame and spring to prevent mortal kombat. Now I use a spring compressor...

Note that this method does not work so well without an engine installed - you'll end up lifting the car off the jackstand before getting the bushing bolts inserted...

Or you need a big person to sit on the bumper.

 

[Kelvin's80442]

I always use jack stands. Back when I was younger and dumber, I got away with only compressing the control arms several times. I did run a 1" tie-down strap through the frame and spring to prevent mortal kombat. Now I use a spring compressor...it's actually easier when you are using lowering springs.

Note that this method does not work so well without an engine installed - you'll end up lifting the car off the jackstand before getting the bushing bolts inserted...

I just see nasty sh*t with loaded tension in them springs. I do have the motor in, so shouldn't be too bad. Once she up and wheels off, I will have a better understanding. Don't think will be anything too terrible, might be just a bugger to get the compression tool in the spring

 

[ssn696]

I just see nasty sh*t with loaded tension in them springs. I do have the motor in, so shouldn't be too bad. Once she up and wheels off, I will have a better understanding. Don't think will be anything too terrible, might be just a bugger to get the compression tool in the spring

The GM design at least leaves a hole in the control arm for the spring compressor, where the shock mounts. Make sure the pigtail ends of the springs clock in at close to the same place, even though the arms are mirror images. That helps ensure the body height is the same on both sides.