Rear spring swap

[HKSJoo]

Ive done the install of my rear spacers and want to swap out my oe rear springs and spacers for lift coils now. anyone know if i can just use a spring compressor to take my oe springs out and compress my new springs and install them that way? it'll save me a bunch of time not having to remove the kdss sway and undo the shocks. tia

 

[Jeremy556]

It will be far easier to disconnect the sway bar.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I would rather take the time and disassemble the rear suspension instead of trying to use a spring compressor. I don't like those things!

 

[Myr6eatsme]

It will be far easier to disconnect the sway bar.

After disconnecting the sway bar, the axel should just drop?

 

[Antman]

It pretty damn easy to swap out the rear springs, really.

Jack rear of truck up as high as safely possible, jackstands under rear frame.

Optional- remove spare tire (makes this a much much more comfortable job because you can literally sit in there)

Support center of axle pumpkin with floor jack.
Disconnect shocks at bottom.
Disconnect sway bar links.
Disconnect brake line/ABS line bracket to allow for more play in lines.
Lower center jack slowly- don't stretch those lines...

Use a jack to lift one side of the axle at a time- under the shock mount is a good place to lift. Keep an eye on the brake lines so they don't stretch (plenty of room even with long travel springs)

Spring will literally fall out so pay attention!

Do same for other side. Done.

 

[codyHTX]

good idea on removing the spare

to add to what [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] said: remove the rear wheels once you have the rear lifted and safely supported on jack stands to make articulating the axle easier

 

[Antman]

good idea on removing the spare

to add to what [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] said: remove the rear wheels once you have the rear lifted and safely supported on jack stands to make articulating the axle easier

Oh yeah, duh! That is actually really important else you can't get enough room- unless it's 3 feet in the air, lol.

Thanks!

 

[DEERUNNER]

One can also try placing a jack stand under the opposite diagonal front corner, this may help with compressing the new taller spring when doing the second side.

 

[HKSJoo]

I would rather take the time and disassemble the rear suspension instead of trying to use a spring compressor. I don't like those things!

I've used spring compressors many many times before from lowering cars to lifting trucks, never had an issue.

It pretty damn easy to swap out the rear springs, really.

Jack rear of truck up as high as safely possible, jackstands under rear frame.

Optional- remove spare tire (makes this a much much more comfortable job because you can literally sit in there)

Support center of axle pumpkin with floor jack.
Disconnect shocks at bottom.
Disconnect sway bar links.
Disconnect brake line/ABS line bracket to allow for more play in lines.
Lower center jack slowly- don't stretch those lines...

Use a jack to lift one side of the axle at a time- under the shock mount is a good place to lift. Keep an eye on the brake lines so they don't stretch (plenty of room even with long travel springs)

Spring will literally fall out so pay attention!

Do same for other side. Done.

Thx, I know the steps and how to install, I'm just not trying to redo all the steps if it's not needed.

 

[HKSJoo]

Ok, no one knows for sure. I'll give it a go and let y'all know.

 

[Simpleman74]

you've done it multiple times what are you looking for? Affirmation? Compress springs and insert.... but as stated removing the shocks and sway links allows the old to fall out and new to slip in..... :fish: The time it takes you to crank the compressors you could have unbolted the shocks and sway......

 

[gm350reratliff]

I've used spring compressors many many times before from lowering cars to lifting trucks, never had an issue.

Personally, I've never had an issue either but when I worked in a 4x4 shop a coworker had one fail and it damn near killed him. Jaw broke in several places, most of his teeth knocked out, he was knocked out cold as well. Several reconstruction surgeries later, he looks ok but suffers from migraines and gets dizzy.

Just be safe however you choose to do it.

 

[Antman]

Ok, no one knows for sure. I'll give it a go and let y'all know.

:doh: