I have tried two different types of spring compressors, neither of which will fit inside the spring for compression and removal.

Is there a specific brand of compressor, or somewhere I can get this tool to remove the springs?

Thanks in advance.

I like to use 5/8" threaded rod as a compressor. Put it where the shock would go. If you need any more info or pics I would be happy to supply the info. It works good and it's a little safer than the spring compressors.

Don't forget the 1/2" flatstock.

We used the method Jim describes above to remove ours and it worked... but ended up renting the smaller inner compressor from Autozone to put the new ones in. Make sure you put a safety chain on... those things can do some damage.

Here's a pic from the last time I did it;

my cousin once was working on a 63 impala ,he compressed the springs in his high school auto shop chained them up and took them home on the bus.this was 25yrs ago.luckily all went well.

Is the engine still in the car?
I just used a floor jack(very carefully) under the lower control arm on mine.

No the subframe is detached from the car also. I'll be sand blasting today in 70 something weather.

Jim thanks for the photo, and all others for input.

With the 5/8ths threaded rod, is it a Stainless rod or High strength alloy or similar?
And what do I use with the rod 1/2 inch bar stock? to compress?


What about the jack process? I don't want to lose any limbs.

also, when you use the rod is the lower control arm attached or not? I think it would have to be?

Dont use a jack unless theres about 500 lbs on the frame.

I use the 5/8 threaded rod they have a Home Depot. Just the regular stuff. The tensil strength of the rod is twice what it will take during compression. Be careful not to damage the threads.
To compress I use a piece of 1/4 to 1/2 inch flat stock on the bottom and double washers on the top. I also double nut the top. I disconnect the lower control arm so it doesn't interfere in any way. I detach it at the ball joint while there is some spring pressure and I detach it at the bushing after I have let some spring pressure off.

Jim, I am assuming the plate is the plate under the lower control arm? or in the lower section of the spring?

We put the plate in the lower section of the spring when we removed ours using this method. Also... grease your threads before you start. Makes it a lot easier.
Dont forget to use a safety chain!

I put the plate under the shock hole in the lower control arm, it worked well too.

That is the way to go. I've remarked on this method (with photos) several times before. General purpose spring compressors are general purpose and can be dangerous. If a spring compressor slips and cuts loose, you have a lethal projectile launched in your garage. Springs under compression are dangerous to mess with. I think this is the safest way to work on them on the Firebird. A threaded rod through the center of the spring won't cut loose like a dislodged spring compressor can.

Here is my photo again.