Chevelle is now half hovercar

"MM54" (mm54mk2) 01/12/2019 at 21:26 • Filed to: '71Chevelle

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This afternoon I took some time to remove the front suspension / steering linkage from the Chevelle. Being rebuilt ~2012, nothing was particularly stuck (though one of the balljoints was pretty happy with being in its taper).

I hate brake fluid so much that I am willing to work around the brake calipers/lines.

If I have time tomorrow I’d like to remove the steering shaft / box and generally complete dismantling it (so I can then clean up the frame for primer/paint).

Bonus:

The patented “full sketch” spring removal technique works every time. Simply loosely tie the coil to the chassis using part of a ratchet strap (I’ve used chain in the past, t oo), disconnect the spindle, lower the arm to full-droop, and pop the spring out of the pocket with a crowbar. The strap catches it from flying into the neighbor’s house, and the spring is out without drama.

sony1492 > MM54 01/12/2019 at 21:37

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Wow, that spring removal....wow, impressive

MM54 > sony1492 01/12/2019 at 21:40

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Even more fun is my installation procedure, where you get it to about where it is in the picture (include the strap for safety), line it up, then sit on the ground and kick that SOB with the bottom of your foot as hard as you can, and it goes into the pocket.

(There’s not really room for spring compressors when this is together, and it’s not all that tight with the arm fully-drooped )

M.T. Blake > MM54 01/12/2019 at 21:41

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I tossed my stock suspension. Took off the lower control arm bolts at the frame and kicked it inward. Very exciting work. 

The Snowman > MM54 01/12/2019 at 21:57

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Lowering springs go back in easy with the ground kick method.

MM54 > M.T. Blake 01/12/2019 at 22:19

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At some point this will get at least tubular uppers to correct the geometry, but stock with fresh (rubber) bushings and a competent modern alignment it drives pretty nice.

MM54 > The Snowman 01/12/2019 at 22:21

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My issue is that these original springs are so sagged from age that it’s basically already a drop spring. I have no idea how much drop I’d need to buy to get it where it currently sits. Some day (probably when I get tubular uppers) I’ll probably go with a lowering spring to help hit my headers on even more stuff!

sony1492 > MM54 01/13/2019 at 00:00

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Sounds like  you’ve been dealing with this specific problem for too long

MM54 > sony1492 01/13/2019 at 08:54

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You can get coilovers for these, but you know, money.

The Snowman > MM54 01/13/2019 at 16:00

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I can confirm that 2" springs and 2" spindell s is SLAMMED on a 70 El camino

Future Heap Owner > MM54 01/13/2019 at 16:24

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Dumb question: which part of the suspension is the “spindle”? The part where the axle goes into the hub with the BBs?

MM54 > Future Heap Owner 01/13/2019 at 17:28

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The spindle is the part between the upper and lower control arms. On the top and bottom at where the balljoints connect, and near the middle is where the hub (with bearings) and knuckle (the part that does the steering) attach .