coil spring installation

[6bronco6]

I bought a pair of BC 3.5" coils a week ago. Im thinking of trying to install them myself, but a little worried on the problems i will have. Will i need to compress the springs? Do i need air tools? Im running about a 3.5" coil in front now, so it shouldn't be too bad. Should i just bring it to a shop? Most shops seem to give me a hard time if i have my own parts. They don't want to be liable for anything happening i guess.

 

[ROKDWLR]

It's a fairly easy job with standart tools. Here's a link that will give you some good info:

http://www.classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47904

 

[6bronco6]

anyway of knowing if The previous owner installed the right degree bushings for the lift? If in going to replace coils, i should replace bushings if they need it.

 

[mxpaz]

All your doing is replacing springs? Thats an easy job. I cant think of any special tools you will need. Air tools are nice, but not needed.

 

[mxpaz]

Does it drive OK? If it does I wouldnt worry about the bushings. If it drives like crap I would replace them just to make sure.

 

[6bronco6]

Yeah, it drives pretty good. Bushing seem fairly new. Seems like he knew what he was doing with the truck. I soaked all the bolts on the coil retainers for a week. So i don't think i will have a problem with the bolts. What about compressing the springs?

 

[ET]

You don't need spring compressor if you have tall jack stands where you can lower the axle enough to remove them.

Eugene

 

[6bronco6]

ok...when i lower the axles, are the control arms going to come off? Sorry about all the questions, but im just afraid of getting in over my head, and then im stuck. Is it as simple as lifting the frame, unbolting the retainer cups, letting the axle hange, and slide out the old, and in the new?

 

[ET]

I'm assuming that control arm you refering to are the radius arms. The radius arm are attached to the axles by the cap and 4 bolts. The spring cup bolts to the top of the radius arm. Only way to remove the arms is to remove the bolts before the cap and arm will seperate. So no worries.

Eugene

 

[66horse]

This link will help ya too.

Definately soething you can do yourself though! Dont pay money to have someone else do it.

http://classicbroncos.com/springretainers.shtml

 

[6bronco6]

Yeah radious arms sorry. Thanks guys. Think i will try it, instead of paying someone.

 

[70_Steve]

Is it as simple as lifting the frame, unbolting the retainer cups, letting the axle hange, and slide out the old, and in the new?

Jack up the Bronco and put jack stands under the frame. I use standard 3000 lb jackstands, and put them on top of 4 pieces of 2x12 to get a little extra height.

Remove the wheels to get access to the springs.

Put a floor jack under one side where the radius arm attaches to the differential for a little support. Unbolt the top coil spring retainer (two bolts), then unbolt the bottom coil spring retainer (two bolts).

Remove old coil spring.

Do whatever cleanup you want (paint coil spring retainers, etc)

Place bottom coil spring retainers in place and start the two bolts 3 or 4 turns. Leave them very loose.

Place the new coil spring on top of the retainers and "screw" the coil spring in between the retainers. You will be able to see and feel when the coil spring is in the proper position.

Position the top of the spring into the spring tower. Follow the Tech link for tips on how to bolt up the top retainer.

Tighten the bottom two retainer bolts.

Do the same for the other side.

 

[6bronco6]

Thanks for the info guys. only other question i have is do i need to jack up the entire truck or just the front? Im just thinking the front might be too angled if i only jack up the front.

 

[70_Steve]

only other question i have is do i need to jack up the entire truck or just the front?

I just jacked up the front. Only needed to go up a few inches. Just enough so when you pull off the wheels, the front diffy doesn't hit the floor.

Oh yeah, I usually put the jackstand on the flat part of the frame right behind the front bumper.

 

[6bronco6]

Ok thanks for the advice. If anyone can think of anything else, feel free to post.