MWright936
02-25-2009, 06:25 AM
Well, I had planned on taking pictures as I installed my coil spring spacers then making a good "how to" write-up. It turned out that it was way more difficult than I anticipated! I figured I could do it myself, but had to call up one of my co-workers that has some mechanic experience to help me.
First, the coil spring compressor that I rented from AutoZone was very poorly designed and down right dangerous. It slipped off on me once (luckily the spring was still being held by the control arms), and it came off again when we were taking one of the springs out (luckily we got our hands out of the way!!). It could have been a bad situation. The spring came loose with such power that it gouged a little part out of my steel lower control arm! Scary stuff. We finally started using a pair of vice grips and some zip ties to keep it from slipping.
Aside from that danger, I couldn't figure out how to get the dang ball joint and tie rod to release. The other guy got that done with some hammer work and a forked pry bar. It messed up one of the rubber boots on the tie rod, so I'll get the alignment shop to tend to that today.
If I had to do it again, I think I could do it myself. I would definitely get a different style compressor (one with hooks on both sides instead of hooks on one side and a plate thing on the other). Having an extra pair of hands definitely helps!
From what I could tell in the dark last night, it looks great! I'll take some 'after' pictures this afternoon and post some pics.
*Edit*
Here is a link to the thread with the before and after pics: Leveling Kit Before and After (http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19236)
First, the coil spring compressor that I rented from AutoZone was very poorly designed and down right dangerous. It slipped off on me once (luckily the spring was still being held by the control arms), and it came off again when we were taking one of the springs out (luckily we got our hands out of the way!!). It could have been a bad situation. The spring came loose with such power that it gouged a little part out of my steel lower control arm! Scary stuff. We finally started using a pair of vice grips and some zip ties to keep it from slipping.
Aside from that danger, I couldn't figure out how to get the dang ball joint and tie rod to release. The other guy got that done with some hammer work and a forked pry bar. It messed up one of the rubber boots on the tie rod, so I'll get the alignment shop to tend to that today.
If I had to do it again, I think I could do it myself. I would definitely get a different style compressor (one with hooks on both sides instead of hooks on one side and a plate thing on the other). Having an extra pair of hands definitely helps!
From what I could tell in the dark last night, it looks great! I'll take some 'after' pictures this afternoon and post some pics.
*Edit*
Here is a link to the thread with the before and after pics: Leveling Kit Before and After (http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19236)