[frankOne]

What is the proper and safe method to remove front springs in order to disassemble front suspension. Is it simply a matter of renting coil spring compressor or are there certain steps to follow for safe removal. The vehicle is a 1973 firebird with a 350 and auto trans, thanks.

[Cape Cod Bob]

What needs to be rebuilt on the front end. I would rent or borrow or buy the spring compresser. Try craigslist or ebay. Then you can add it to your tool collection

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by frankOne

Is it simply a matter of renting coil spring compressor

Yes. For your car, get an INTERNAL compressor.

[fasteddy_1947]

Originally Posted by frankOne

What is the proper and safe method to remove front springs in order to disassemble front suspension. Is it simply a matter of renting coil spring compressor or are there certain steps to follow for safe removal. The vehicle is a 1973 firebird with a 350 and auto trans, thanks.

Just place a floor jack under lower control arm (spring support) where you have access to the bolts holding the inner side to the frame. probably directly under the spring be best position for jack. Jack car up till that tire is off the ground and all the weight is supported by the jack. Lift it high enough so that there is room to remove the spring from under the car. place jack stand under frame on that side. Remove the four inner 'A' frame bolts with all the car weight still supported by the jack, but with the jack stand under the frame. lower the 'A' frame slowly. the frame will be supported by the jack stand. the 'A' frame and spring will come down. the tension will be removed from the spring as it is lowered and when it is all the way down just take the spring out. the car will be on the stand and the lower 'A' frame will be free on the inner side.

[mmopar0521]

I used a similar method on my firebird and truck. Jack up the vehicle high and put on a jack stand. Loosen but don't remove the lower ball joint nut and use a pickle fork (if you are replacing the ball joint) or ball joint removal tool to break the BJ free. Put the jack under the control arm, lift it enough to take any pressure off the nut, remove the nut and then slowly lower the jack. If you are concerned about the spring flying out, you can put a chain through the middle then up around or through the shock tower. Reversing the process works for installing, and if you are putting in lowering springs, you most likely will be able to get it in without the jack. Just be careful and make sure you have a good jack on a firm surface.