coil spring spacer installation problems...

[punkguitarbs]

I just got 2 inch spacers for my 1993 explorer and i am having trouble taking off the lower coils spring clamp bolt... is there anyone that has installed spacers that can help me? thank you for your time.

 

[Josh S.]

I just use the proper deep socket (30mm I think), with a whole slew of impact extensions connected to each other. Its quite easy to strip out the bolt though so be careful. The other alternative is to slide an open-end wrench in from the side to hit the bolt. Do let that thing soak a bit in some WD-40 to ease the pain

 

[Maniak]

I used a combo wrench and with the tire off I can get it in there. It takes some muscle to break if free, but then it turns easily..

When we did the lift, I used a socket, never did that again, as long as I take the tire off, using a big combo wrench works (Actually, I think I'm even using a 1 1/4" or 1 1/8" wrench instead of the correct metric)

~Mark

 

[punkguitarbs]

did you need to use a spring compressor?

 

[wilson_nick]

I just got my new tires today so i'm going to need to do this soon, where did you get your spacers, dealer or yard?

 

[G-rigged]

Its much easier to go in from the top. I use a 3/4" drive ratchet with a few extentions and a 1" 1/8 socket. You might have to slide down the extentions seperatly, then stick on your rachet. When you put the frame up on jackstands you can put the jack below the axle and adjust your spring tension as your taking stuff off. ..It'll actually take some tension off of the nut if you compress the spring before taking the nut off. (you will also need to do this when you put the nut back on after the spacer) I disconnected the sway bar from the upper mounts (on the frame) on both sides.. it made things alot easier. Also to get the spacers in i had someoen take an iron pipe and pry down on the radius arm while i slid everything in.. It went in pretty easy.

 

[WannaBTrckmagik]

Trckmagik and I used an open ended wrench and that worked just fine. We also took off the shock and let the front droop as much as possible so as to allow for more space between the coil. And I would recommend doing as before mentioned, soak that sucker in some WD40.

 

[Trckmagik]

Yes... Make sure you remove the shock. You will get another 1" at least by doing this. Good luck.

 

[Maniak]

You do not need to compress the coil. Actually, you may have to take off the sway bar link to get the suspension to drop far enough so you can get the coil out.. Once you've done it once, it will be very easy...

It is one of those things that seems hard/scary until you've done it once..

~Mark

 

[G-rigged]

If you use an open end wrench then you dont need to compress the spring. (which seems to be what he is using) However if you do use a rachet, after you add the spacer ..the coil is so bowed (at least mine was) that you cannot get a socket and rachet to fit on square without compressing the spring some.

 

[AlaskanJack]

I've done this many times an if you take off the lower shock nut and slide the shock off the stud, disconnect swaybar link and loosen radius arm nut. Then spray a crap load of penetrating oil on the coil nut. I use 1-1/8 deep socket with two extensions and a breaker bar w/cheater pipe. Keep the jack under the coil while loosening the nut.

Once nut is off I push down on hub sometimes standing on it to get the coil to unseat.


EDIT: Coil spring compressors suck!

 

[punkguitarbs]

thanks for all the information! Now i have to wait another month because i ordered shackels for my explorer but when 4wheelparts sent them to me, i got shackels for a toyota...now the ones i need are on backorder...so until those come in my new tires are just sitting in my backyard...

 

[Billy177]

i got mine fro Quadratec just cancel your order and get them from here