[andrewakessler]

I purchased an internal spring compressor and began the process of reducing my front springs when it became apparent that the threaded rod wasn't long enough to reach the bottom coils.

Hoping it would still work, I attempted to compress the spring as much as I could, but couldn't compress it enough to bring the lower control arm into position.

Thinking the problem would be solved with a larger section of threaded rod, I went to the hardware store but found none of the standard sizes (3/8, etc) fit the hooks.

Does anyone know if spring compressors tend to use a universal size threaded rod, and what the pitch tends to be for the threads?

Thanks,

-A

[bigdog7373]

Sounds like you're doing something wrong. What are you trying to do exactly?

[68NovaSS]

I don't have an answer regarding thread sizes, but caution you not to use soft allthread found in Home Depot or Lowes (for example).

What I did on my Nova to install big block springs was compress the coils as much as possible, wrap and chain them to hold the compression and take another purchase on the coil to compress is further. It's a two step process, but for a garage job works and is relatively safe.

[andrewakessler]

bigdog7373: with the setup on a g body, I have to drop the threaded rod through the frame (The opening for the shock absorber bolt) to compress the spring. The threaded rod seems to be about 6 inches too short to allow me to compress all the coils when it's placed in the frame.

68NovaSS: I worry about the soft threads at Home Depot /Lowes as well. Luckily, none of the standard sizes they sell actually fit.

One thought I had was to compress the coil separately from the frame, wrap the coil with a couple ratchet straps, then adjust and compress the coil even more with the spring compressor, then tighten the straps again. when it'll fit between the control arms I would drop the internal spring compressor through the frame, connect it to the compressed coil, attach the spindle, and slowly undo the straps and compressor until the coil is seated in the control arms.

Thoughts?

[bigdog7373]

Just use the weight of the car to compress it. Put it in possition and slowly lower the car onto it til everythimg lies up and bolt it all together. Just be really carefull and you'll be fine.

[andrewakessler]

bigdog7373: I'd do that, but I'm in the middle of a complete restoration. The engine is sitting in my garage and the frame is bare bones.