Coil Spring ?

[festerw]

So I finally am going to have time to install the air bags on the front of my Jeep. However looking over my Factory Service Manual it tells me to be able to remove the coils I need to: remove the front driveshaft, control arms, sway bar, shocks, track bar and drag link.

This seems like overkill to pull the springs out, can I just disconnect the sway bar, shocks and use a spring compressor to pull the spring out? Thanks for any help!

[wyldman]

Remove the calipers and tie them up out of the way.Remove the stabilizer links,or cut them off if siezed.I usually mark and remove the front shaft at the diff end,just to make it easier.I also remove one end of the track bar,and tie it out of the way.

Loosen but do not remove the control arm bolts.This will allow the bushings to rotate easily,and you will get more droop to get the springs out.You can then remove the shocks,and the axle will drop down as far as it can go.You will still probably need to pry down on one side,and maybe jack up the other to get the coils out,as they are pretty long.

When putting it all back together,you will probably have a hard time getting the track bar lined up.Make sure the slot it mounts in is clean,and opened up slightly,so it will slide in easily.Then use a ratchet strap to slowly pull the axle in line,so it will drop in place.Don't hammer the bolt in trying to get it lined up,or you'll bugger it.Use a punch or lining pry bar to line it up if needed.You can also put the wheels back on it,and set it on the ground,so you can push the body back and forth to get it to line up.

[wyldman]

Forgot to add.............when you retighten the control arm bolts,the vehicle should be sitting at normal ride height,with weight on the axle.Otherwise you will bind up the control arm bushings.Setting the wheels on blocks or ramps,or putting jackstands under the axle,will make it easier to get under it to tighten them up.

[festerw]

Thanks for all the help!