Can't get the coil spring back on! (1 Viewer)

[CrackerBob]

I'm trying to put two Mr Gasket 1" spacers on the top of the springs to correct the Stink Bug look (and low headlight shine) I got from installing an ARB front bumper. Did a search, and what little I could find sounded like an easy job...
Got the wheels both off, the sway bar disconnected (tire has to be off and ARB line must be loose first so you can get the bolt out), and was just barely able to pry the spring off (did not "fall right out"). After putting the spacer up in there I can't even come close to getting the spring back in.
So... I put down a deposit on a spring compressor, which doesn't work because it goes inside the spring - it would compress the spring just fine, but the spring won't go on because of the cone the spring goes around...
I need a spring compressor that is two parts and goes on the outside, but no one in town has one. I was able to use the one I got for one side of the spring on the outside and a scary homemade thing on the other side, but still not even close to going in. I think I could get the spring back on this way - if I took the spacer out!
So, unless anyone here has any ideas I'll put it back together this afternoon without the spacers and order an outside-the-spring compressor online and try again another day...

 

[Sc0-]

Did you unbolt the shocks?, pay attention to over extending brake lines, vent lines and wires.

Should not need a spring compressor for an FJ80...

 

[PACNW96]

Did you unbolt the shocks?

What he said...

This thread should help:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/51526-spacer-install-ome-lift.html

 

[retrofive]

X2 on the shock. I also used a bottle jack between the axle and bump stop to help as well as compressing the spring with a rachet strap a little bit to help. I thought the same thing when I put my spacers in. It will work

 

[azrider]

this i the way I did it, 2 jackstands on the frame up front, then jack up one side of the axle till its almost ready to lift the truck off the jackstands on the frame, and that should droop the opposite side quite a bit. Then do the same thing to the other side. It definately doesnt just "fall right out" like a few guys have said.

 

[CrackerBob]

Yes, took the bottom nut off both shocks. Don't see any lines in trouble.
The only thing I did different than the picture in the FSM is put the 6 ton stands on the frame behind the tires - not in front. Was going by a post that said to put the stands "behind the control arm frame mount". Well, I couldn't see any room for the stands behind, just in front - so I but them much further back - behind the wheels. After I had the stands in I saw the picture in the FSM.
But the axle is hanging loose, just not low enough to get the spring out, or back in.

 

[schlaker]

Might be a dumb question, but I didn't see it in your post... did you unbolt the shocks?
Wheels chalked, jack-stands under the frame rails? Should be lifted high enough to allow the axle to drop low enough to get the spring in without compressing it. Have a partner push down on one side while you slip the spring in. If you don't have help, then use a jack to lift one side of the axle while you slip the spring on the other.

EDIT: Damn I type slow, been beaten to it again.

 

[jonheld]

put a bottle jack between the frame and the axle and jack the axle down till it fits. Watch your brake lines.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Rent a good compressor or let a shock shop put them on. Mike

 

[MoJ]

put a bottle jack between the frame and the axle and jack the axle down till it fits. Watch your brake lines.

This is the easiest way I've found to do it - especially if you're working solo. The directions on Slee's site are great.

 

[informationjunky]

Brake line

 

[informationjunky]

This is the easiest way I've found to do it - especially if you're working solo. The directions on Slee's site are great.

Step 4:
Remove the two 8 mm bolts (12 mm heads) holding the PS brake line to the frame. This will allow the brake line to move and you will not overstretch the line when the axle is pushed down to install the springs.

 

[Beowulf]

... let a shock shop put them on. Mike

Is it just me?

-B-

 

[MoJ]

Is it just me?

-B-

No...I had to resist.

 

[CrackerBob]

The bottle jack between the axle and frame did the trick!
The passenger side was tighter because I didn't want to mess with the brake line, so after I got the spacer in, I put the spring (with the compressor on one side) up as far as it would go, then a few hard (and gratifying) kicks popped it in place!
Wish I had seen the link PACNW96 posted before I started. I would have bought a set of spring compressors before attempting this.
But it's done, and amazingly enough, the front and back measure the same now! I have a level LC! Thanks to all for the help!

 

[retrofive]

Nice job Glad it worked out good. I just did mine a few weeks ago. Not level, but close enough.