peyc2

Ok,

So i was able to change all the plugs on the drivers side, 1-3-5-7, which were not to hard.
But, the passenger side, 2-4-6-8 look to be a nightmare. The car has A/C.

What is the secret to changing this side? Do I have to remove the A/C compressor, and the bracket from the block?

Tight doesn't even start to say it.

Thank you,

71 Green 454

On my '71 LS5 that I've owned for 43 years, I can get to numbers 6 & 8 using a swivel on my socket. For numbers 2 & 4, I remove the right front wheel and lift up the rubber shield on the upper ball joint to gain access. Also, the original owner cut a small hole in the wheel well for access to number 4.

sug

I had the same trouble with my l68 having ac so I removed the ac compressor since the last owner removed one of the lines and was not charged with gas and can change all the plugs in 10 min compared to a couple of hours working around the compressor .

maj75

peyc2

maj75,

I am confused, the power brake booster is on the odd side (driver) side.
the odd side was easy. and I have power brakes, and steering.

its the even side ( passenger side) that has the issue with the A/C,

sray454

Same here ... '72 LS5 / C60 ... for 2 & 4, reach in above upper 'A' arm. Have a hole in fender skirt for #6, and a whole new vocabulary for #8.

peyc2

Ok,

so it looks like I have to invest a jack, and some jack stands for safety, remove the right front wheel, and drill a small hole, also, learn a new group of 4 letter words, any thoughts on a low profile jack?

Thank you,

CVO2FIXUP

Take the belt off the AC comp. Take the bracket off and swing the ac comp all the way to the fender. And you have to go at it blind. Just enough room to do it. takes a while.

radiotexas

That "All American" company; Harbor Freight, has a little 1.5 ton jack they often run for 59.00.(SKU 62516) It' might be a low budget answer to your quandary....and also your problem. I share your pain by facing the R&R of the fan shroud in my big block '70. It looks like I might have to take the passenger side A arm off, or so it looks after sitting on a shop stool sipping a cold Shiner and staring into in the engine compartment.
Good luck and may the patience of Jobe be with you,
Resolute on the Post Oak Savannah

peyc2

CVO2FIXUP

Remove the bracket from the block? or just the compressor from the bracket?

Thanks for your help

peyc2

radiotexas

Does the Harbor Freight jack fit under the nose to lift the entire front, or, is it only good from the side?
To be safe when I remove the wheel I was going to put the entire front up on jack stands?.

Good luck with shroud, I looked last night at mine, and that cant be fun.


thank you,

radiotexas

I've never tried lifting the front or back end with the small jack. It works well lifting along the sides from the front or rear lift points on the frame. Harbor Freight has a slew of jacks. Several are aluminum with capacity pushing 3 tons and they hug the floor. The larger but heavy steel jacks are noticeably cheaper than the aluminum. I don't celebrate helping China's economy but retirement income does play into some of my purchases. Good luck and be safe.

peyc2

Thanks,

I am not big on giving the money to them, but, even Auto Zone are foreign made.

I may buy a 3 tone, so i can lift from front cross member and put entire front on jack stands,
I used to do that "years" ago on a 1970 LT-1 coupe, made for a safe way to do it, I left the jack in place as a safety, but weight was on the stands.

rather not end up under it,

71 Green 454

Is your front cross-member already dented? I have 2 jacks, I jack up each side and put jack stands under the frame.

7T1vette

Best to get at the right-side plugs from under the vehicle and/or remove front-right wheel to gain some access.

I also highly suggest that you invest extra funds in NGK irridium plugs for your engine. They will last an EXTREMELY long time without needing cleaning or replacement. You already know what a PITA it is to change plugs; why do it any sooner than you need??

peyc2

71454green,

The front crossbeam has some :mark" which look like its been used to lift the car. That is common, i used to always lift my 71 small block that way, and then place jack stands under the frame, forward of each door.
Is this a good way for bad?

7T1vette

That crossmember is not intended as a lift point, but folks do it. It's always best to lift it via the frame rails. Any part of the vehicle that is used to carry the weight of the car could be used for lifting. You just have to think about how safe it would be to lift the car by that part/surface and how to do that without damaging anything....including yourself.