71vetteLT-1

okay, we got the rear suspension done and the front assemblies and lower control arms rebuilt and ready to start puttin on but i have a couple questions first.

1. since we have the offset shafts on the upper a-arms, which way does the offset mount to the frame?
like this?

or like this?

2. since we got the QA1 coilovers and we have the body off and motor out, what is the best way to get the lower control arm jacked up into place so we can bolt up the ball joints to the front assemblies? will the weight of me (150 lbs) be enough to compress the spring while jacking the lower control arm into place?

Thanks guys

Z-man

1. I would vote for "b". Here's a shot of mine in the car (forgive the dust...).



2. I don't think 150lbs is near enough. Besides, how would you jack it up while sitting on it?? :confused: I'd try one of the rental shops. They might have a tool that could handle it...

71vetteLT-1

thanks z-man, actually i would sit on it and my dad would jack it up or vice versa (he weighs a little more than me), we could lower the engine onto it temporarily but that would be our last resort...we cant use an internal spring compressor because the shock goes thru there...maybe if me and a few of my friends sit on it while he jacks it up? lol

NHvette

Here's how I got my stock springs out with the motor/body off, and it's how I plan to put mine back in soon:

You need a garage area with exposed floor joists on the ceiling.
I had jack stands under the rear support area, but if your rear is sitting on the
wheels - then you won't need that. I did mine in the garage with exposed
rafters. I took two 2x4s and cut them to the length that fit between the #1
body mount bracket up to the bottom of the exposed floor joists. Take each
2x4 and drive a small lag bolt into the end to keep it from slipping off the
body mount bracket. Stick the lag bolt into the bracket and toe-screw the
other end to the joist. Make sure you chock the rear tires from rolling.

Will one of those scissor type spring compressors for struts work on them ?

150 lbs will only compress the spring about 1/3 of an inch.

:seeya

71vetteLT-1

hmmm that 2x4 idea sounds good...thanks for the info...i'll let yall kno what we decide to do...

blue72lt4sc

go get 2 4" wide ratcheting straps like you would use in securing a heavy load and place the hooks on either side of the lower a-arm with the strap going over the upper arm...you may need a 24" + braker bar or pipe to add extra leverage to the ratcheing mechanism....is works well and the straps will handle the pressure just fine and will only take a few min....

:chevy