Re: [Amc-list] Spring Compressor

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

1. Remove the old springs form the car using tool.
2. Compress the spring seats and remove tool. You do this either in a hydraulic press or set the car down on top of it. Set it under the frame area where it level out just behind the front wheel well. This is actually safer than in a press, because if it DOES come out it will stay low on the floor or even under the car. 
3. Jack the car up (or let up on press) then remove spring once it has extended full length. Leave car at this height if immediately proceeding to next steps.
4. Remove spring seats from old spring and install on new. 
5. Set spring and seats under car/in press and compress until tool can be installed. 
6. Jack up car/let off press. CAREFULLY remove spring. 
7. CAREFULLY insert spring in proper location.
8. Let weight of car down on spring (or jack control arm up) and remove tool. Slowly let weight of car on spring and check the spring for proper location as you work. 
9. Proceed to the other side. I would NEVER work on both sides at once! Or rather, I'd never leave two loaded springs lying around the shop. If I need to do both sides, I remove the spring on one side then decompress it to take out the other. That way a loaded spring isn't sitting there waiting to get knocked over or something. The longer it's loaded in the tool, the more chance it has to be a problem. You wouldn't leave a loaded gun cocked and ready, just needing a pull of the trigger to fire lying around would you? I have guns, and have one loaded around, but not ready to fire. The only one close is my .22 revolver, but it has a hammer block safety (also single action, must have the hammer pulled back first). Keeping that spring loaded is like having the safety off and the hammer back on that revolver! 

-------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:45:03 -0800 (PST)
From: Davis Martin <martin-davis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

I understand the tool for removing the spring but how do you get a new spring in the tool to install? 

-- 
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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