unit91

I'm on a new mission now. I need to replace my saddle bushings - they are SHOT. I also want to check the upper control arm bushing while I'm doing this. The lower ones are fine. I'm working on my 68 convertible, 6-cyl. 200 cu in.

I've done a lot of reading on this because if I don't do this correctly and safely I will be dead or injured! Some say you have to remove the complete wheel from the spindle, then the shock tower, just to get to the springs. Some say you don't have to remove the shock tower. Some say you don't have to remove the wheel from the spindle. Some say you don't have to remove the shock. Blah, blah, blah. Now I'm getting confused AND frustrated, so I'm relying on you all AGAIN!

Seems to me the best way to do this is jack the car up, put car on stands, remove the tires ONLY, use spring compressor to compress spring, leave spring inside the shock tower, replace saddle spring assembly (I bought the entire assembly), remove and check the upper control arm bushing and replace if necessary, then reverse all these steps and call it a day.

Please tell me if I've missed something - I want to survive this mission! Thanks in advance.

Starfury

What kind of spring compressor do you have?

unit91

Bought from NPD.

http://www.npdlink.com/store/index.p...arch_str=988-1

unit91

D-Day in 2 days. Saw a video on youtube where a guy removed the coil springs using a floor jack instead of a compressor. Looked safer.

67mustang302

That type of compressor is a bit of a pia to use. The factory type that bolts to the perch works a lot better.

Or use drop springs that you can install/remove without a compressor.

noroof66

Many auto parts stores will loan compressors for no charge. I used some at Autozone for my Explorer.

frdnut

I am in the midst of doing this right now myself..I just replaced my entire front suspension but the new coil springs I installed sat the front end lower than I liked...So I am having to remove the coil springs again.. The coil spring compressor I bought is very safe..It bolts to the spring perch just like the shock does. There is no way the spring can slip off with this setup.I bought mine off of ebay from a guy called tommyzees

TexasAxMan

AutoZone will loan an internal compressor. I've used it a bunch of times with no issues.

palerider

ive had hit or miss with type you have. Some hold secure others kept slipping off coil. In general I don't feel to safe with them. Attached is what I ended up using. Very happy with it.
But in case no need to remove spindles. Have to remove shock. Take a floor jack and put on lower control arm and compress the spring as much as you can w/o lifting whole car. Shock retainers on top of shock tower come off. Put tool in thru top and hook to springs. Compress coil to where you can remove. Be careful on how handle coil - if it popped and uncompressed your hands don't want to be anywhere they could get pinched. take spring out and then change perch and then put back in.

unit91

OK, thanks. I'm gonna use a chain as a safety backup in case something goes wrong.