removing front springs

[blackers10]

hey guys
im trying to remove the front springs on my AU1 fairlane 6cyl

and i cant get my spring compressors to get in enuff 2 hold the spring properly as the spring coils are to close together and the spring sits to close to the strut/shock...

can anybody suggest a good way 2 get em out..
thanx

[buickman]

Have you got the strut removed from the car?
Two ways
1/ A spring tensioner that fits the springs

2/ They are not a strong spring like a H series Holden so you can & I have but not advisable is to gradually undo the tension on the nut facing the spring into a inside of a tyre not on a rim as the spring go's & on my AU's fronts I found was not at a real force. The tyre captures any tension so as not to shoot across the garage. The trick is do it slow with a ratchet & socket.

buickman

[blackers10]

phew popped off the upper ball joint with the help of my bro..

and just pulled that down and out seh came..
had SOME compression on the spring with a spring compressor but she startd shifting so we got that off ASAP as soon as we took teh whole strut out..

ill give what u said a go tommorow buickman cheers

[buickman]

If you are fitting lowered springs you don't need a S/compressor to refit they just drop in & you assemble the strut then refit into the car.

buickman

[RED_EL_XR8]

Get the right spring compressors for the job! There is no other way, now other SAFE way!!

[JC]

I changed the standard springs in the wagon to superlows WITHOUT the need of a spring compressor at all. I just undid the top nut slowly and while it pops a bit on the last turn, it is not really all that compressed so doesn't pose any great danger. I did, however, keep most body parts out of the way just in case.

[blackers10]

u tell me where to buy the RIGHT spring compressors and ill tell ya if i tried em or not!!!

ive used the kind supercheap has with teh dual claws at each end(angle/path between each claw is not as tight as the angle/path the spring goes around..

and ive tried an oldskool pair with the single claw at each end..
of which the claws were too LONG and hit the shock in the middle..

cheers for your help guys

[Kenaz]

Originally Posted by JC-XRWgn

I changed the standard springs in the wagon to superlows WITHOUT the need of a spring compressor at all. I just undid the top nut slowly and while it pops a bit on the last turn, it is not really all that compressed so doesn't pose any great danger. I did, however, keep most body parts out of the way just in case.

That's the way to do it. Just find something that's going to collect the nut so it doesn't go flying off to do some damage. We just used an old seat cover. It's too easy

[GTHOXR8]

Reading this thread with great interest as I am about to embark on exactly the same project. Scored myself a set of XR6 coils which I will fit to my series 1 Forte. I assume that once i have them in, its going to need a big wheel alignment as the geometry will be out. Is this correct? Also has anyone have any further tips to pass on when changing front and rear coils?

[Casper]

: In the VCT its a case of "to remove and replace rears....see instructions for fronts".

Spring compressors are a good idea. Apart from that, undo the top nut, undo the bolt at the bottom of the strut, lift up and then slide the whole unit out the bottom (jack stands are a must). To refit pull the rubber locator out of the top bracket and adjust to suit the new positioning of the spring, insert strut into new spring, insert whole unit back in. Line up and fit the bottom bolt (bit fiddly), do up top nut. Repeat on the other side. Then get a wheel alignment for camber. All done.

[GTHOXR8]

Thanks Casper. If I don't rush, looks like I will need a whole day to do all four corners. I should change the shocks while I am at it.

[Casper]

Originally Posted by GTHOXR8

Thanks Casper. If I don't rush, looks like I will need a whole day to do all four corners. I should change the shocks while I am at it.

Not a problem. Cant help you with the backs though, that live axle stuff is all different to mine. My rears were basically the same deal as my fronts due to IRS.

[JC]

Originally Posted by GTHOXR8

Thanks Casper. If I don't rush, looks like I will need a whole day to do all four corners. I should change the shocks while I am at it.

I have the Haynes manual which helps - I think I have copies of the relevant pages at home if you would like me to send them to you (just PM me your email address). Following the proper instructions, I did all four shocks in the IRS XR8 in about 4 hours, and all 4 in the wagon in about 2.5 hours (wagon has leaf springs, so shocks are easier to remove & replace) .

[parawolf]

Get 2 large sized mates to sit on the fender you want to compress, cable tie the spring down in its compressed manner (you'll need about 50 of them) and then it should come off easy. no need for expensive spring compressors. If you want a reusable system, get some velcro cable ties from dick smith. : : :

: : :

I'M KIDDING!!!

[GTHOXR8]

Originally Posted by JC-XRWgn

I have the Haynes manual which helps - I think I have copies of the relevant pages at home if you would like me to send them to you (just PM me your email address). Following the proper instructions, I did all four shocks in the IRS XR8 in about 4 hours, and all 4 in the wagon in about 2.5 hours (wagon has leaf springs, so shocks are easier to remove & replace) .

Thanks for the offer JC. I have just secured a copy from a friend of a friend!!
Good to hear about the time taken. Gives me an idea on what to expect.

[Mechan1k]

Well i replaced mine yesterday while I was at Cresent Motorsport ... good thing I had the use of a hoist while replacing my rear leaf springs ... damn heavy bastards.

I just had the issue of getting the bottom shock mount over the ball joint in the ute ... I only got 1.5" lower coils on the front though ... so not that lowered. But I replaced my front shocks with Pedders gas shock as well at the same time.

I used spring compressors (I don't have a death wish) ... have also heard the $30 ones from SuperCrap are dangerous and have been known to bust under pressure.

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

Well i replaced mine yesterday while I was at Cresent Motorsport ... good thing I had the use of a hoist while replacing my rear leaf springs ... damn heavy bastards.

I just had the issue of getting the bottom shock mount over the ball joint in the ute ... I only got 1.5" lower coils on the front though ... so not that lowered. But I replaced my front shocks with Pedders gas shock as well at the same time.

I used spring compressors (I don't have a death wish) ... have also heard the $30 ones from SuperCrap are dangerous and have been known to bust under pressure.

And to add to this I'll post up pics later on when it has settled properly in a couple of weeks time.

[JC]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

And to add to this I'll post up pics later on when it has settled properly in a couple of weeks time.

Add the pics now - it really won't settle that much. Maybe a couple of mm, but it will be hard to pick.

[Mechan1k]

Well lets just say there's still a gap between guard and tyre ... but not as much as it used to be ... what I am happy with is the ride ... much better control with the new shocks up front ... and the rear is still comfy as well ... not harsh or bouncy at all.

At first it seemed hard to pick ... but it has dropped a bit though ... I'll need to load the ute up a few times to see how it goes. Then i will show a before and after photo.

[Sleeperau]

Do you need different shocks or is it recommended if you lower by 30mm? I pick up mine on Monday.

[Mechan1k]

I got different shocks ... cos i wanted better control for handling.
Stock front shocks were ditched in favour of heavy duty gas items.
My rear shocks were good ... so i left them in until i need replacing them ... but being a ute they are already fairly heavy duty as it is.