[Lumps!] easiest/safest way to remove the front springs

i need to remove the front springs on my xjs lump. what is the easiest way
to do it. i can’t seem to locate my manual. any advise is appreciated. thx._________________________________________________________________
Need more e-mail storage? Get 10MB with Hotmail Extra Storage.
http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed

In reply to a message from JAY COOLE sent Thu 4 Sep 2003:

I just did this last week.I have a 1973 XJ6 and after the
conversion the front end was sitting 1’’ too high.I rented a coil
spring compressor from Auto Zone, no good the springs were too wide
for the compressor to work and it was also designed to go thru the
center of the spring, wouldn’t work.Then I rented a Mcpherson strut
spring compressor,sort of worked on the outside of the coils but
looked too dangerous to me.Then decided to use it on the highest
coil and the base of the compressor on the lower wishbone,worked OK
but still a little dangerous but I pulled it off. All in vain
though,I removed two shims from under each spring which should have
dropped the front end 5/8’’,it didn’t drop a bit, no weight up front
anymore is my guess. I am now looking at lowering the spring pan.
Good luck and be very careful, those coil springs are very
powerful,use every precaution you can to keep one from flying your
way.–
XJLT1
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed

Jay,

Another way that takes some time but is relatively safe, three pieces of
good quality threaded rod (don’t remember the thread size although I
have three of them in my tool box).
basically, replace each of the spring pan bolts with a length of
threaded rod, one nut closest to the pan and two nuts locked together at
the end of the rod (for holding everything to keep the rod from backing
out) . Once you have all the rods in place, you simply lower each nut
(next to the spring pan) a little at a time and slowly lower the whole pan.
I would recommend not getting in a hurry and being good and sure your
threaded rods are not turning as you back off each nut. You want to be
around to enjoy your car after the procedure and flying springs can ruin
your day.

Anybody remember the thread size on the threaded rod? Was it 5/16"?

David Hunt

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed

In reply to a message from JAY COOLE sent Thu 4 Sep 2003:

I have finnished installing a Cadillac Lt1 in my 83XJ6. The front
end is just a little higher. I did not make a ride height
measurement before with the DOHC. My car is visibly higher after
the lumping. I think it was a case of spring sag with 115 k of
DOHC. I suspect I am back to stock ride heighth.

I plan no change!

However, if you want it lower, I saw a method of lowering the
spring pans with longer bolts and spacers. it was on this forum.
You might conduct a search.

You might use a barrel jack to lower the pan and spring.

I am sure this forum has a system. the three threaded rod system
looks good.

If mine ould only run! Back to checking things to get the two
basics, ie fuel & spark. Now, it has neither!!!

JAGCAD aka Carl–
JAGCAD 94 Cadillac LT1 powered 83 XJ6
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed

Carl,

Concerning the lack of spark on your LT1, did you see that link I posted for the optispark article?

David Hunt

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed

Jay,

Another way that takes some time but is relatively safe, three pieces of
good quality threaded rod (don’t remember the thread size although I
have three of them in my tool box).
basically, replace each of the spring pan bolts with a length of
threaded rod, one nut closest to the pan and two nuts locked together at
the end of the rod (for holding everything to keep the rod from backing
out) . Once you have all the rods in place, you simply lower each nut
(next to the spring pan) a little at a time and slowly lower the whole
pan.
I would recommend not getting in a hurry and being good and sure your
threaded rods are not turning as you back off each nut.

This is the procedure we’ve used, works like a charm. It is not fast
though-inexpensive, but rather slow. Instead of three, we used four rods
about 9" long, though. Probably would be safe with three, but my husband
felt more comfortable with four.

Anybody remember the thread size on the threaded rod? Was it 5/16"?

3/8" X 24 (fine thread,as are most of the non-metric fasteners on these
cars)

David Hunt

Colleen
79 XJ-S enhanced with TPI 350 & T700
Dallas, Texas

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed----- Original Message -----
From: “david hunt” cuontv@bellsouth.net
To: lumps@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2003 7:29 AM
Subject: Re: [Lumps!] easiest/safest way to remove the front springs

Thanks Colleen,

I was betting you would remember the thread and rod size!
You husband’s right about 4 instead of three…as I think about it, I
may have four…it’s just been so long since I did it.

David

This is the procedure we’ve used, works like a charm. It is not fast
though-inexpensive, but rather slow. Instead of three, we used four rods
about 9" long, though. Probably would be safe with three, but my husband
felt more comfortable with four.

Anybody remember the thread size on the threaded rod? Was it 5/16"?

3/8" X 24 (fine thread,as are most of the non-metric fasteners on these
cars)

David Hunt

Colleen
79 XJ-S enhanced with TPI 350 & T700
Dallas, Texas

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed

In reply to a message from JAY COOLE sent Thu 4 Sep 2003:

I’ve searched the archives and can’t find anything on this.
If I get 4 threaded rods there are 6 spring pan bolts, lower the
pan onto the rods, then what? Fabricate spacers? Is there a formula
to calculate drop or is it just hit or miss? I would like to lower
the front end 1’’ and a 1’’ spacer sounds a little extreme. Any input
would be appreciated. Thanks, Mark–
XJLT1
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed

In reply to a message from JAY COOLE sent Thu 4 Sep 2003:

I’ve searched the archives and can’t find anything on this.
If I get 4 threaded rods there are 6 spring pan bolts, lower the
pan onto the rods, then what?

The threaded rods are used in place of the four bolts that screw into the
lower wishbone-temporarily, and the outer (towards the wheel) bolts removed.
This allows the spring tension to be gradually (and safely) released. Once
this is done, the spring can be removed.

Fabricate spacers? Is there a formula
to calculate drop or is it just hit or miss? I would like to lower
the front end 1’’ and a 1’’ spacer sounds a little extreme.

Between the spring and the spring pan (and possibly also between spring and
upper seat) there are nylon spacers, approx 1/8" thick. Your car may have
anywhere between two and four of these (possibly 1-2 more). For example, my
79 XJ-S has four, two above and two below the spring. These spacers affect
ride height approx. 2.5 times their thickness, so removing two for example
should reduce ride height 5/8". If you don’t have enough spacers to remove
to create the drop you want, I’ve heard reports of people inserting solid
spacers (stack of washers, for example) between lower spring pan and
wishbone, using longer bolts, of course.

When my car was converted (by us), new front springs were included in the
John’s Cars kit. We installed the springs omitting two of the spacers on
each side, leaving two installed. This gave us quite a ‘rake’, leaving the
front end rather low. After reinstalling the two spacers on each side, the
front end was raised almost an inch.

Any input

would be appreciated. Thanks, Mark

CYa,

Colleen
79 XJ-S enhanced with TPI 350 & T700
Dallas, Texas

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed----- Original Message -----
From: “XJLT1” marksill@earthlink.net
To: lumps@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2003 5:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Lumps!] easiest/safest way to remove the front springs

In reply to a message from Colleen sent Sun 7 Sep 2003:

I’ve pulled my springs twice to get my ride heigth where I wanted
it. The first time, I cut the springs and cut them too much. Car
sat all the way down on the rubber suspension limiter. So I bought
another pair from a non a/c car but still ended up cutting about a
half coil off them. As far as how to get them out, I used a 15’’
long stick of 3/4’’ all-thread, a couple nuts and some washers.
Stuck the all thread through the hole in the center of the pan up
through the center of the spring through a hole in the frame. Put
washers and nuts on each end and tightened up, leaving excess
portion of threaded rod out the bottom towards the ground. Then
pulled bolts retaining spring pan and then backed off bottom nut to
lower pan as tension is released from spring. To reinstall use sam
rod but also used a couple lengths of 5/16’’ rod in pan bolt holes
to guide pan back into place as it is pulled back up. This is on a
S3 XJ-6 so not sure about others but only killed about an hour per
side–
jagbob
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed

As far as how to get them out, I used a 15’’
long stick of 3/4’’ all-thread, a couple nuts and some washers.
Stuck the all thread through the hole in the center of the pan up
through the center of the spring through a hole in the frame. Put
washers and nuts on each end and tightened up, leaving excess
portion of threaded rod out the bottom towards the ground. Then
pulled bolts retaining spring pan and then backed off bottom nut to
lower pan as tension is released from spring. To reinstall use sam
rod but also used a couple lengths of 5/16’’ rod in pan bolt holes
to guide pan back into place as it is pulled back up.
jagbob>

Hi, I also used the sigle stick of all thread. I had great luck, but wanted to add. Mine had a bunch of shims so the spring was under a lot of pressure. The rod I used the first time was too short. I also had to raise the car higher than i would have liked too. Allow extra because I reached the end of the rod and had to much pressure and had to go all the way back up!

Love, Mike, Karen and Calvin

Sign up for Internet Service under $10 dollars a month, at http://isp.BlueLight.com

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmedOn Wed, 10 Sep 2003 04:07:09 +0200 jagbob newsomr@bellsouth.net wrote:

OOPS! I meant single.
<Hi, I also used the sigle stick of all thread.>
OOPS again! Wrong button.
<Love, Mike, Karen and Calvin>

Mike '73 XJ12 (305/700r4) Tucson, AZ (Soon a 350) 8-P
Finally some pics! http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1033019956

Sign up for Internet Service under $10 dollars a month, at http://isp.BlueLight.com

// list policy dictates that messages be trimmed