Chevy 3500 Front Spring Removal

[Anonymous-0]

I would like to raise the front end of my '88 Chevy 3500 (two wheel drive) two inches to level the vehicle. I understand there are hockey puck style lift kits designed for this.

I have not really looked things over yet, but will a Mcferson style spring compressor work in removing/replacing my springs?


Thanks,
Glenn F.

 

[Billy Shafer]

Most likely not. I have both types standard and strut. Will not interchange.

 

[Dennis Benson]

Your springs should have sagged those two inches. You would remove the spring by raising the front end of the truck and setting it on something solid with the tires off the ground. Then you would put a floor jack under the control arm directly below the spring and raise it. Then you would disconnect the ball joint from the knuckle, and you would remove the shock absorber, and you would disconnect the control arm from the cross member. You may need to raise or lower the control arm as necessary, then when it is all free you can lower the control arm and the spring will fall out. Get some new springs from NAPA and put it back together. Make sure to locate the spring ends in the recesses in the chassis or you will hear a particularly loud bang when you least expect it when the springs seat themselves in the chassis.

 

[Dennis Benson]

I forgot, there's a special tool made by Kent Moore for removing the ball joint from the knuckle. I think they are around $150, but I made a copy using an acme screw, an acme nut, some pipe and scrap, and some welding. A big well aimed hammer works good too.

 

[Allan in NE]

Be careful with those suckers! They can kill!

Allan

 

[Anonymous-0]

I believe it. The local custom shop will install them for $125.00. They may get the job.


Glenn F.