Coilover Issue

[FomocoReformed]

I'm trying to assemble my QA1 springs onto strange coilovers for badart's suspension and I'm having an issue with actually getting the springs on. I've tried two different coil spring compressors and both didn't work, couldn't fit between the coils and even if I got them on the shock would be blocked from going through the center. I have to compress the coils because I can't get the spring retainer on unless I do, even with the adjusters backed up all the way to the knob. If I took the knob off I could back the adjusters off completely and then get the spring on but they say on them specifically not to dissemble them. If anyone who's done this before could chime in it would be much appreciated.

 

[prrc]

Some thing is wrong with your set up? I have done a ton of them at our shop and have never needed to compress the spring to get it on the shock.

 

[the67fish]

Wrong spring is what Im thinking, should be able to put the spring on the shock and compress it down with the retainers.

 

[magnumdust]

Wrong spring is what Im thinking, should be able to put the spring on the shock and compress it down with the retainers.

That'd be my guess. I have QA1s on my truck. I've only ever needed a compressor for safe dissasembly.

 

[Mad Dart]

I used a different model than the one you have for all of mine. I will post a link when I find it.

 

[Mad Dart]

This is the one you need here...... You will need to clearance just a hair of the retainer hardware so you don't scratch your powder coat on the springs. Other than that it works perfect.

http://www.cachassisworks.com/p-1473-2-12-coil-spring-compressor.aspx

 

[FomocoReformed]

The springs and shocks come as a package together from summit, they're correct but literally just a hair too long to slip the retainer back on over them.

Maddart maybe I'll have to find someone who has one of those that I can borrow, I can't justify $55 for a tool I'm going to use for two springs. I just have to compress them a tiny bit, considering using some kind of C clamp to compress just one ring.

 

[Mad Dart]

The springs and shocks come as a package together from summit, they're correct but literally just a hair too long to slip the retainer back on over them.

Maddart maybe I'll have to find someone who has one of those that I can borrow, I can't justify $55 for a tool I'm going to use for two springs. I just have to compress them a tiny bit, considering using some kind of C clamp to compress just one ring.

Your going to use it more than once. Most guys it takes a few sets of springs to dial their car in right.

You can get some all thread some plate steel and make this yourself for less than 10 bucks. Time = money so that is why I just bought mine.

Try to get one of your buddy't to help you push on the spring to get the retainer in. Mine was just by a little bit also.

 

[inkjunkie]

Years ago I fought with the spring on my dirt bike. Used to use 2 pieces of angle iron & some all thread....or just me and my Dad with a pair of tire irons.....

 

[gtmopar]

Yea shouldn't need a compressor at all should slide on with room to spare.

 

[Mad Dart]

Yea shouldn't need a compressor at all should slide on with room to spare.

Not True. Depends on Shock/Spring Combination. if he is using a 10" Spring he is going to need to compress it some. A 9" spring no.

 

[FomocoReformed]

Just wanted to update with the solution I found, in case anyone in the future is searching for this.

I figured it out after a little research on the adjustment knob, found that it's a replaceable part they you can order from strange so I took that and ran with it. Came to the conclusion that I could remove the knob assembly, which then gave me enough room to back the adjusters off the bottom and get the upper retainer in place. Voila, coil springs.