73 front spring replacement

[Don Mason]

Hey guys, I need some advice. I am about to replace the front coil springs on my 1973 L-82 coupe. A previous owner apparently had a big block in the car at some time. Somewhere along the way the correct motor was put back in the car, but the owner stopped short of putting the correct springs back under the front end. Now the car sits about 3 inches high in the front. I have seen 2 approaches to changing front springs. Most mechanics I talk to separate the ball joint. But the GM service manual describes removing the lower A-arm from the frame. Which way is the best for me to try at home and how important is it to have a spring compressor? I also read that some of the replacement springs are shorter than the original springs to ease the replacement process. How important is this? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Don,

I'm a little confused here. If he left small block springs in the car when he put the big block back in the extra weight of the big block should make the car sit lower not higher.

This post outlines what others have done.

Where are you in Georgia?

 

[Don Mason]

Hey Bob, Thanks for the reply. Maybe I was not clear-- the car was originally a small block (L-82). A big block & springs were apparently installed at some time. Big block was taken out--small block re-installed--springs left in--car sits too high. Sorry for the confusion Thanks for the help. I am on the south side (Stockbridge). I may just take the car to Atlanta Corvette and let those guys do the work. They seem to be pretty good from what i hear

 

[Bob Chadwick]

If that is the shop associated with The Last Detail on the top end of the Perimeter at I85 I think you will be happy with them. There is only one mechanic, JD, and he did my trailing arms and I am very happy.

I misunderstood and thought you went the other way.

There is a big group of us here in Atlanta that hang out regularly. Paintdaddy is in Hampton. Nyernga is in Conyers. 78SilvAnniv is in Monroe. GrapeKnutz is out that way as well. JRMaroon and several others. (Sorry if I didn't mention you by name). We're about due for a BBQ at Len's. We'd love for you to attend if your around. Monitor the Southeast area of the Regional Enthusiasts section of the CAC.