How To Change Front Coil Springs / 1963-87 Chevy & GMC

This video will help you through the process of swapping your Classic Chevy or GMC pickups front coil springs. Whether your replacing the stock springs or installing lowered springs this guide will show you the steps to take to make the job easy, quick and safe!
Direct Product Link:
www.holley.com...

[@coednakedracing]

David i performed a coil swap using this video Thank you!

[@MrBwalendy]

Very nicely presented. Articulate, well organized, good camera work, thorough. Thank you. Greatly appreciated.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@rajn8454]

Wow. I've been searching for weeks for a tutorial on my c3 corvette. This man needs to be an instructor

[@jefferykaighin7039]

I'm getting ready to replace mine, so Thank You again for taking the time to make this video!

[@jazzycup9274]

Late to the program but this definitely helps as I attempt to throw some Eaton Springs into my 74 Nova all while replacing my upper and lower ball joints, control arm, and tie rods. Thanks for the video!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Our pleasure!

[@XtremeScratchers]

Hi David Welch, I'm Gary Welsh, been watching your videos for the last 3.5 years and learned alot. I'm rebuilding a 66 Chevy 3/4 pickup.. again thank you

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for the feedback Gary! Much appreciated, Dave

[@penguru21]

I'm also working on a 66 C20

[@sillygily4435]

My man did this whole vidja on his knees

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Classic Dave

[@2pacnasgame]

Perfect nice video man you went over everything fast easy thank you for explaining and going over everything your a pro 👍

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@CarlRMauri]

Thank you Dave!! Excellent video well produced , and great audio!!!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks Carl!

[@Milo30066]

Thanks I learned very good. I will add 1995 GMC 3500 front springs to my 2500 van.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Glad it helped

[@raymondflores6398]

Great Video and good job. Really appreciate you letting us know about separator.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thank you for watching, glad we could help!

[@wallaceramsay8405]

that was realy helpful thank you

[@myco_space_kc5558]

Thanks for the video I feel confident I can perform this now

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You can, it's not that tough!

[@jdtrackstar5]

This video was so helpful. Harbor Freight carries the TieRod end popper and it made the job super easy given the rubber boots are protected in place compared to other tutorials using pickle forks :) ! Thanks BROTHER!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Glad it helped! Thank you for watching!

[@funforall9741]

This is fantastic and to the point thanks guys

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for watching.

[@xpmark1]

What a great video.Thanks a lot. Your explanation was so good.

[@temtagesson8821]

Great video. I used to put together my 1994 c3500 though slightly different but same approach.

[@jpascua3824]

Very helpful video to reference to as I need to work on my front suspension. God bless!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jpascua3824]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Hi Dave, question. Would you recommend a wheel alignment after performing this job? Thanks.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@jpascua3824 It shouldn't need one unless you needed one prior to the job or if you accidentally rotated the tie rods. Also, if you are changing the springs to lower the truck, you could need to do an alignment to correct the camber.

[@jpascua3824]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Sounds good. Thanks for explaining.

[@nickcOfficial]

Great video, there is a few on KZbin but this one is probaly the best one thank you

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks man, or pleasure!

[@LuisPerez-gz5ci]

Man I miss my 73.....

[@zackmorgan4500]

Much easier to take the lower control arm loose no need to fool with the caliper

[@cud37]

Always very helpful!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks!

[@LKRS111]

Makes it look so easy.

[@John-2fnf]

Great video. Beautiful C-10

[@bjrnarrasmussen5768]

This video was a great help. Thank you :)

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@AT-wg9qc]

Thanks for the video that was very useful

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Our pleasure!

[@chim7741]

Definitely easier to release to top first, thanks

[@1boatsailor]

Great video thanks David

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Great videos ! 👍🏻

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thank you sir!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome :)

[@martincaldera386]

Thanks for this nice and useful video.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You're absolutely welcome!

[@richperkins5192]

Thanks brother!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Our pleasure!

[@davidjordan780]

nice video, helps me alot

[@andrewdevenezia4927]

The way he pull up that jack stand was smooth as hell 0:34

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

True pro!

[@brookewoody8620]

that's as good as it gets matt

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@ralphgarcia6605]

How can you tell if your coils are worn out and need to be replaced?

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

David do they make a template to put onto a long bed frame to cut where you short note on the frame so you can put a short bed on a long frame please

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Peter, were not aware of anyone making a frame kit to shorten a 73-87 chassis. After your previous question we did a little research and found no kits or templates online either. Our kit that we make for shortening the frame is specifically for the 1963-1972 chassis and will not work on anything later. You're going to have to be a pioneer and develop you own method on this one. Best of luck!

[@Makeitliquidfast]

I want to raise my 91 Suburban to a level position with taller springs, how do I know how much spring hieght to buy over the old spring?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Call our tech guys at the shop, they'll have an answer for you... 800-977-2767

[@CENTENARIO77]

Question if you are replacing the spring coils with 3” drop, do I need to replace shocks with 3” drop as well or not necessary?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yes you do, otherwise your original shocks will be too long and not work properly.

[@filmart430]

If I put lowering springs, are there smaller type shocks needed or can standard size shocks work?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You need to change your shocks out for shorter ones. We sell shocks that are sized for each specific drop.

[@jakeboyle9134]

Im hoping a 1991 model s10 isn't too different. Got some front coil spring spacers to install.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Not sure how different it is on the S10, but most spacers can be installed without even removing the coils. Good luck!

[@jimkeith8097]

EXELENT VIDEO can you tell us where to find the tool you used to pop the ball joints?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Amazon link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LFG1LKK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@jasonconaway69]

The tool Brothers linked doesn’t fit. Doesn’t open far enough.

[@georgecromerjr2860]

Very nice video and presentation. What brand of tie rod end popper do you recommend for use on a 74 Z28?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We use a cheap one from Harbor Freight. If we aren't going to use it a lot, we typically buy less expensive tools. You can find decent inexpensive ones on Amazon too.

[@georgecromerjr2860]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Thanks! I will look on Amazon.

[@samlucero583]

Where do you get that separator? All the ones i can find are to small

[@ANOTHERSAVEDSOUL]

Thanks'

[@RCbasheracer]

What brand is that ball joint popper tool ?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Can't recall, we purchased it at Harbor Freight.

[@donlewis1701]

Big question. I am lowering my truck. How do I jack up my frame when it sit so high. 72 C10

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We jack ours up from the bottom of the center cross-member and then add jack stands to the frame behind the front wheels. We've never had a problem with the frame being too high? Maybe the jack you are using is too small for the job?

[@marcol7847]

What size tie rod popper do I need to buy? The tool store has a 3/4 tie rod popper. Will that one work?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

3/4 will work!

[@marcol7847]

BROTHERS Truck Parts thank you! Currently working on my c10

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@marcol7847 Good luck with your project!

[@rickramos8471]

Can I do one side at a time??

[@patkelley2190]

Hey are those coil springs from rock Auto. The box looks like it?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Our coil springs are spec'd specifically for BROTHERS. Rock Auto may buy theirs from the same coil spring vendor, but we are certain they are not the same as ours even if the box looks similar..

[@adamhewson4438]

I had to do a double take as soon as I saw that truck, it looks almost the same as mine just a shade lighter, I wish I could share a picture, holy cow they're twins! 😂😂

[@robertdelao9201]

Say Mr. Dave, i have a 1980 C10 Big 10, 2WD SILVERADO, I'M THINKING OF REPLACING LEAF SPRINGS THE ORIGINAL ONES ARE 40 YEARS OLD. BUT DON'T KNOW WHICH ONES I NEED. ANY FEEDBACK WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU .ROBERT

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Robert, any suggestion we make would need to start with a conversation about what you plan to do with the truck going forward. If the plan is to leave it stock, the way it's been for 40 years, then a stock set of springs will work fine. If you are lowering it or otherwise planning to do some modifications, then the recommendation starts to get more complicated. You can always call our shop and one of our guys can make solid suggestions to help you get moving.

[@robertdelao9201]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV thanks for the info, I'm leaving the truck as is .no modification..thanks again.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@robertdelao9201 Our pleasure!

[@arthurwagar6224]

Ho David; I want to stiffen up the front of my 86 3/4 ton. Extra load of about 1,000 #. Will coils from a 1ton do the job? What stronger coils would fit? Art modifier.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

1000 lbs is a LOT, I don't think 1 ton springs will do enough.

[@arthurwagar6224]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTVThanks. My thinking also. Suggestions plz?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@arthurwagar6224 We would suggest contacting someone who specializes in heavy duty suspensions, or at least specializes in suspension. We honestly don't have enough expertise in this area to begin making suggestions that could steer you wrong.

[@arthurwagar6224]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Thanks David; What I've done is set up to put my tow kit on the front in order to push a car into a difficult spot. When I tried it on my Nissan the front dropped 6 in. Steering difficult. Thanks for your integrity. Excellent video by the way.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@arthurwagar6224 Thanks Arthur, good luck with your project!

[@juanluviano9182]

Any lowering springs for a 1995 c 1500

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We don;t carry any OBS chassis parts at the moment.

[@thedailyvariety4407]

I need help. I installed 3” drop coil springs. Buttoned everything up. When I lowered the jack, the spring was very loose? What am I missing?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Only one side? What year? Are they BROTHERS Springs? Is the height on both sides the same? Did you change the shocks too? What is the length of the shocks when fully collapsed?

[@thedailyvariety4407]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV 71 suburban. Western chassis springs. Both sides. I have a set of shock relocators. But the shocks themselves don’t hold the lower and upper tight. After some research, apparently it’s par for the course to have the lowering springs rattle around. Doesn’t make sense to me

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@thedailyvariety4407 Greg, it's not at all par for the course to have the springs rattle, we've lowered dozens of trucks here at the shop for KZbin and TV shows and we've NEVER had a set sit loosely in the pocket when the truck was on the ground. Now if you're saying the springs are loose when the truck is lifted with a jack, yeah, that will happen, but not once you drop it down. if they still rattle when dropped, then what is holding your truck up? the A-Arm Bumpers? It's not right, and you need to contact Western and get it fixed. EDIT: After a little research we found that Western makes a 4" spring set for the front. In our experience, 4" coil drop is too much for the C10 front end to accept, so it's possible they gave you a mixed set? One 4" spring mixed in a box with a 3" spring? Either way, this isn't normal and they need to make it right for you.

[@thedailyvariety4407]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Hey I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I didn’t describe my situation very well. I installed 3 up front 4 in the rear. With front and rear shock relocators and adjustable track bar. When I have it on the lift, they do sit loose. Once it’s lowered, they fit tight like they should. After lots of research, I see that it’s normal. I fabricated brackets to clamp the bottom of the spring to the lower control arm so when I put it on the lift, at least the bottom will remain in place. Brothers trucks KZbin videos are an invaluable asset to the custom truck industry. Again I appreciate ya.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@thedailyvariety4407 Ok, how you've described it now is normal. Good luck with your project, and nice job improvising some brackets for the bottoms of the springs!

[@NMRuben]

Very informative videos. Thank you. What size wheels and tires are on the truck? I've looked and can't find a video for the installation of the wheels. Thanks in advance, and again great videos

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

They are REV Wheels, finished in Anthracite. 18"x8" front, 18"x9.5" rear. Tires are 245/50 in front and 275/45 rear.

[@zachrogienski5952]

Hey there bud.. excellent video. Even nicer truck. My only question is... I have an 87 square and Belltech told me the smaller pig tail on the bottom and larger on top. It appeared that you put the smaller pig tail in the upper control arm. Different from what I was told. Plus my Belltech have the font and part number legible and the right way to read it on the shock with the smaller diameter pig tail as the bottom of the coil. Any input? Tackling it this weekend. Hopefully you read this. Thanks!! Stay safe

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Not 100% sure we know what you mean by "pigtail"? Maybe the Belltech parts are different than our BROTHERS branded stuff?

[@donlewis1701]

Want to do a 2-3 drop on my 72 C-10 Suggestions.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

2" drop simple in front and 3" drop coil springs in the rear. Exactly what we did here on our '72 Suburban project a few years ago.

[@abrahamflores4736]

What size spring was that

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

The one that came out was a 3" drop and the one that went in is a 1" drop.

[@Ninostrucksales]

Do the coils need insulators?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Not this type.

[@vroman2945]

Any problem using just 3” drop springs without drop spindle and how do drop springs ride by themselves?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You can do just drop springs, we've done it on a couple of our shop trucks and it's fine. Our only complaint would be that at 3" of drop the suspension gets a little soft. We'd probably recommend a 1" spring drop and a 2" spindle for the perfect combo.

[@davidjordan780]

David Welch, my 1992 S10 project truck has alot of play in the steering, i dont have a lot of money right now to spend. What would you do to take some of that play out of the steering?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Tie-rods, adjust the steering box slop... those are easy projects and relatively inexpensive.

[@davidjordan780]

thank you sr.

[@scalhoun10]

what size wheels are you running on that truck? Looks great.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

18x9.5" in the rear and 18x8" in front.

[@choppedandscrewedcustoms]

Do I need a jack under the coil while just changing the shocks

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You can change the shocks with the truck on the ground, so that way you wouldn't need a jack.

[@mattwoody1089]

Hi do you sell that spring at brothers

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yep, 100%. Give us a call at 800-977-2767

[@mateomateo970]

Amigo buenos dias. Como veras no hablo ni escribo ingles y me gustaria me orientaras un poco sobre como instalar los guardabarros laterales de mi camioneta c30... ya que cada vez que trato de cerrar las puertas se produce atascos y no la puedo cerrar en forma adecuada. Te agradezco la colabotacion.... si algun suscriptor me puede colaborar con videos en español sobre la instalacion adecuada les estare altamente agradecido. Vivo en colombia, valle del cauca. Gravias

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Estamos trabajando para hacer un video sobre cómo alinear la chapa frontal de un camión. Esto incluirá las puertas, los guardabarros y el capó. Suscríbase a nuestro canal y se le notificará cuando este video esté disponible.

[@mateomateo970]

Les agradezco inmensamente. Se me olvidaba comentarles que el problema consiste en que al abrir las puertas estas hacen presion sobre los guardabarros, especialmente cuando esta cargado. Constantemente se arruina pintura. Espero su video. Gracias

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@mateomateo970 Entendimos el problema. nuestro próximo video debería ayudarlo con esa reparación.

[@mateomateo970]

Ok. Excelente . Gracias

[@mckgarth]

Dave, I have a 99 s10 2wd ..Can I use this method on my trucks front springs? Thanks for the great video

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Not 100% sure, I've never done an S10

[@estebanrodriguez1243]

What complete drop did this truck have after this and the flip kit in the back?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

It was a total of 5" in front and almost 8"" in the rear.

[@gerdblant7740]

Hi Dave, I'm impressed on how you did it without a spring compressor. do you know if I can use the same procedure (without compressor) for a G20 Van (1981) with stock springs? for sake of safety, is it recommended wrapping a chain through the spring and lower control arm?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We've never done a van, so I wouldn't know for certain if you can remove the springs without a compressor on that. As far as using a chain, I would say that safety is VERY important with any work you do, so if that makes the job safer, then do it!

[@gerdblant7740]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV just as a feedback...I did it the same way as you demonstrate it on my van last week, worked pretty well without compressor but the car has to be jacked up about one foot (better a bit more) under the crossmember. thanks alot for this helpful video!

[@Zombieatackplan31]

Can I get a link for that tie rod end popper can’t find it online.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Amazon link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LFG1LKK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@opgreplayzz4109]

Can I do a 3 inch front and 5 inch back without cutting anything or having issues?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You shouldn't have any issues with a 3"/5" drop.

[@estebanrodriguez1243]

What type of wheels are those also tire and wheel size? Thank you very much I want some wheels just like those

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

They are REV Wheels, finished in Anthricite. 18"x8" front, 18"x9.5" rear. Tires are 245/50 in front and 275/45 rear.

[@estebanrodriguez1243]

BROTHERS Truck Parts thank you so much I appreciate it

[@Nonconformist93]

I know this video is kind of old, but can I use this same method for my 1985 C20? It’s 2wd.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yes, 100% same procedure.

[@0-BADVIBE-0]

Brothers truck parts where can I get that "tie rod end popper"?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Try Eastwood.com

[@0-BADVIBE-0]

I actually found a whole kit on Jegs. Originally $140 but I got it for $34 on sale. Thanks for your assistance!!!

[@jaydubbu581]

Stock long springs wont stay in place when installing, Crap keep slipping out. Any wisdom?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Put them in place and slowly jack the lower arm up until its holding them in place.

[@MAViz270]

What is the labor cost to have that done in my truck Tnnxx

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We don't do any service at our studio, but we would estimate the cost to be around $500 at a reputable shop.

[@RCbasheracer]

Would this be the same on a 63” C20 3/4 ton. Thanks in advance. Awesome videos.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yessir!

[@RCbasheracer]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV drum brakes

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@RCbasheracer still the same

[@nandoGdog]

Did that truck have drop spindles?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

It does, 2.25" drop spindles.

[@sabinogutierrez5094]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV and what size coils?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@sabinogutierrez5094 This truck has 1" drop coil springs

[@christophercordasco1739]

that pickle fork has been through it. No better life for a tool than to be well used.

[@simonh5110]

Does this video cover a 1975 El Camino?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

The process will be similar for any car/truck with front coil springs and A arms.

[@arthurwagar6224]

Great car/truck.

[@2-raildcc196]

If you only want to replace the springs, wouldn't it be much easier to only disconnect the shocks and lower ball joints?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

It will work either way, we just prefer to disconnect the upper ball joints instead of the lower and suspend the caliper. Either way you either have to suspend something, whether it's the caliper or the entire upper arm with the caliper and spindle assembly attached.

[@AustinHarmon1994]

2-rail dcc I just did this with my 69 3/4 ton and it's actually a little easier if you just undo the shock disconnect a brake line and undo the two upper control arm nuts that both the control arm shaft to the frame

[@Bluedevil5.9]

Do a lift on 2wd vid

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@vixxone1]

What size springs were used on this project? 2 or 3 inch drop?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

2".

[@friebrid]

Anybody know that they have replacement parts for the interior parts for 1975 beau james they special parts Thank you

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Depends on what specific parts you're looking for? Call our customer service department at 800-977-2767 and they can help as well as get you a catalog!

[@friebrid]

Like door panels gauge panels the strip on dash pad all the wood stuff

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

The door panel trim is available, but none of the woodgrain dash trim is available right now.

[@BigRedDiscGolf]

Is that a Beau James? What did you do?! No, no, no, no, no!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Just dropped it a bit, nothing that can't be put back to OG fairly easily.

[@TomMyersComedy]

7:00 😏

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yeah...

[@TomMyersComedy]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV nice

[@CoalCrackerCummins]

Anybody have a video on how to replace the rotor and wheel bearing for a 1987 GMC 3500 2 wheel drive? My brakes froze up on me and I want to just replace everything in one shot

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We don't know who would have a video for that specific project, but basically any video showing how to do wheel bearings should be about all you need.

[@CoalCrackerCummins]

BROTHERS Truck Parts Thank you guys I'm just a young dumb 25 year old who has never done a wheel bearing or brake lines yet so it should be fun lol

[@bobbyamandaflores4470]

I ruined my ball joint rubber ! Why didn’t you just tell me to quit being a cheap bastard, and go buy a tie rod popper!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

56 seconds in we told you it would be a good idea... we can't force you to eat your veggies, sometimes you just have to eat them on your own! Thank you for watching!

[@tommytomtomt]

Great job but you didn't look like a professional since you didn't bother to wear any safet goggles or ur gloves come on man you should know better

[@toronjillo2]

Do i need an alrighment i just install shocks and speings and both are positive camber?

[@elcompaacordeon2588]

What size tie rod popper did you use ?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Just a standard one, not sure what size.