coil spring cutting - does it need to be removed?

Discussion in 'Technical' started by acceleron, Apr 30, 2004.

  1. acceleron

    acceleron New Member

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    I have a question about cutting coil springs on my 74 Grabber w/302.

    My Ford Manual says in order to REMOVE the coil spring, the upper control arm must be unbolted and swung to the side. If I just want to cut one coil off the bottom, can it be done "in the car" after the coil is compressed without removing the coil spring?

    I also have a hard time believing that the upper control arm needs to be unbolted even if I wanted to remove the coil spring?

    Thanks for any information you can provide.
     
    acceleron, Apr 30, 2004
    #1
  2. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper

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    welcome to the board. for safety i would take them out. i replaced my spring perches and thoes springs are" scary ".maybe some one has done this and can give you a "safe and easy' way...frank...:bananaman :bananaman
     
    71gold, Apr 30, 2004
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  3. dmhines

    dmhines Dixie Maverick Boy

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    I cut mine with it compressed in the car. Keep in mind that you can only do this if you cut exactly 1 or 2 coils off. If you don't cut exactly you have to twist the spring to line it back up on the perch. There is no way to twist the spring if you have it compressed up against the shock tower .... A dremel with a cut off wheel works great .. that is what I used ...


    And by the way .... it is impossible to remove the coil spring without removing the upper control arm. Especially if you use a Ford type compressor which compresses it against the top of the shock tower ...
     
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2004
    dmhines, Apr 30, 2004
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  4. Dan Starnes

    Dan Starnes Original owner

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    I compressed mine and cut them in the car, cut 1.5 coils off. worked great. Be careful, if the spring compressor fails it can shoot out and take your head off.
    Dan
     
    Dan Starnes, Apr 30, 2004
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  5. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    You can get the springs off without removing the upper a-arms...just need the right compressor tool.
     
    Craig Selvey, Apr 30, 2004
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