I need to slightly compress my right rear spring and move it TODAY! It has been crunching since last night when I would hit big bumps in the road, but I simply thought it was binding or something. I looked in a bit ago and the lower half of the spring has come completely off it's seat area, and the one side of the coil is perched on top of the raised area that is supposed to be in the middle of the spring. I have an internal spring compressor that is very safe, I have used it to compress 620lb springs a full 2 inches, but I don't think it would work on this set up. I have a 2 piece external spring compressor, but it is not so safe feeling. Yes I realize coil springs can be dangerous, so I want any tips from you guys. The car is a 98 model, and they are stock springs, so any clue on the spring rate if they are progressive? I've only worked with linear springs..

I have access to a full garage of tools and car lifts. My only concern is that if I lift the car with the lift that will let the suspension hang, it will give enough room for the spring to come off the saddle fully. I also have a lift that is drive-on and will keep the suspension normal, but then the spring will be under more pressure and working room is less.

Thoughts? I commute 125miles a day for school and have 3 part time jobs throughout the week

 

Nevermind, I'm not touching it!

 

How the hell? I would say pull the tire off and jack the rear end up then put the spring compressor or a chain around the spring and then lower the rear end. put the spring back in the right position and jack the rear up, take the chain or spring compressor off and your all set.

 

My mechanic friend is going to meet me soon. We'll either knock it out quickly if possible or wait till tomorrow night and I'll simply take the truck to school and work tomorrow. Will probably do what you said, clamp the spring slightly, then drop the control arm so it should fall out. The way it's wedged in there, it's up against the differential alot, it might not fall out easily. And I'm not too fond of reaching in there and pulling it out...

 

If you are just wanting to take it out and put it back in place... that's easy.... you don't need a spring compressor.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/h-r-ss...4-install.html
Read the part about the rear springs.

Here's how you jack up the LCA without screwing anything up (pic of my spring install)

Jack it up, take out the bolt, lower the LCA and fix the spring. Take your foot, hand, a prybar or something in there to pull/push the LCA down to pull/move the spring. Don't worry, it won't fly out and kill you.