DR'76

It's probably been 10 years or so since I removed the front coil springs on my C3, so memory is a bit foggy. I do remember that I used a 1-piece style that grabs the spring on both sides at each end, but see that there is now a 2-piece style that uses a separate tool to compress each side (and assume a bit more forgiving in the limited space to work in???)

Anybody have experience w/ either of these 2-piece designs? Any pros/cons? C3, small block, standard spring.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/s...903/22986964-P

-or-

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/a...0554/5932653-P

Thanks!

RJ1AZ

When I did mine, I tried a 2 piece that fit on the exterior of the spring, but I found I didn't have enough clearance to compress it enough. Took that back to the auto parts store and borrowed a 1 piece that fit inside the spring. Threaded rod with clamp arms on one end and a fork on the other. That did the trick.

Alan 71

Hi D,
I agree that a tool with a long threaded rod and a clamp of some sort that pulls the spring up into the frame pocket is a good way to install the front spring.
Be Careful... because the spring has a lot of stored energy when its compressed. Secure it to the frame while you're compressing it.
Be sure the ends of the spring are installed in the a-rm and frame pocket correctly and that the 4 close coils of the spring are 'up'.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

Tiger Joe

2 piece outside compressors are generally used on struts- springs out in the open. On a setup like a C3, where spring goes into a pocket, you need the 1 piece internal design

540 vette

I use a 2 piece and take off the top part and run it up thru the shock bolt, then tighten it up and it will compress the spring. I also remove the control arm from the inside and leave the ball joint connected. I find it easier and safer that way. I also learned how to do it that way when I worked for GM 30 years ago.

footloose42

I've used the two piece multiple times on my daily driver, but not my C3. It works great.

Also worth noting that Advance (and other auto stores) will rent you a spring compressor, you don't have to buy one.

DR'76

Thanks for the replies and suggestions... didn't realize that the 2-piece style was more geared towards an external installation, so the 1-piece will probably be a bit easier.