Re: [Amc-list] Spring compressor

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

The only way to use an effective compressor on the old cars is to take the front fender off. Then you can use a scissor type strut spring compressor. 

Well, I take that back! If you can find one of the cheap screw type strut spring compressors they should work -- IF you can get them up into the tower far enough. The spring holder that AMC came up with is by far the best way (easiest AND safest!) to change them. The only time they won't work is if the spring seat "ears" are damaged in some strange way or rusted out. 

The V-8 springs aren't much stiffer than six springs when lightly compressed. I've taken pieces of 1/2" wide x 1/8" cold-rolled bar stock and bent hooks on each end to fit in the "ear" holes with weight on the car. I make the bars 1/8"-1/14" short so I can reach up and pull down on the edge of the fender and hook them in the holes. Then disconnect the shock and jack the car up. The springs stay in place with no problem. Once they are out you can use a scissor type strut spring compressor to get them out of the holders and put the new ones in, but I let the car down on the springs or use a hydraulic press. I've done this many times, and have never had a spring come out using home made, factory, and Gary's holders. Gary's are the best so far -- they compress the spring much less than factory (I patterned a set I made after the factory type, but threw them out -- they compress the spring WAY too much!). I talked with Gary before he made his and suggested he add some length so th
 ey don't compress so much as the factory. The only thing is you need ot disconnect the shock so the arm drops enough to get the spring in and out, the factory type didn't need that. 

-----------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:59:05 -0500
From: Wayne E Lamothe <superglider@xxxxxxxx>

I want a compressor not a holder.  I am not too keen on having to use the
wight of the car to compress the spring.  I need to change the springs on
both the 66 and the 69 and want to compress the spring, remove it, unload
it, compress the new spring and install it.

I will look at Garry's tool again but when I asked him about it before he
said it was for the 6 cyl sprung cars.  The coil is thicker and the allen
head does not seem to have enough threads to hold.  

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)


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