How would you change the coil and leaf springs in a 68 Camaro?

Answer 1

It is actually very easy, all you need is confidence. Aside from that you will need one 2-3 ton hydraulic jack (4000 - 6000 lbs.), 2 to 4 adjustable jack stands, again 2-3 ton each. Step 1. Jack up the car and place it on jack stands. One per tire depending on how many you plan on removing. For the front springs, you will need to remove the rim, then remove the shocks, I believe it's one nut on top and two on the bottom. The shock will slide right out the bottom. You will also need to unscrew the castle nut for the outer tie rod, you may need to use a pickle fork or ball joint spreader to disconnect it from the steering spindle. Also remove the sway bar end links from the arms. Also, remove the brakes, but don't remove the spindle. Next, the most dangerous part, BE VERY CAUTIOUS, place the hydrauic jack under The lower A-Arm, jack the arm up about an inch so that the spring compresses. Don't go much more than this as the spring is under a lot of stress, and we just want to ensure the ball joint separates. Next, unscrew the upper and lower spindle castle nuts only a few turns, not All the way, from the ball joints. You may also need a spreader or ball joint remover here as well. Lower the jack about one inch below the lower Arm, that way you can separate the ball joints with a few light taps with a hammer. Once you hear the loud pop, ensure the jack is taking the arm load by raising it up a slightly. slowly, very slowly, very very slowly, lower the hydraulic jack. The lower arm will release from the spindle and the spring will fall right out. As for the rear leafs, jack the rear up, remove the bolts holding the rear of the leafs. Slide the rear differential out, unbolt the front leaf. Unbolt the rear shocks and reverse the order to reassemble. You may want to remove the shocks first as it makes it easier. The shocks mounting bolt is located in the trunk.