BE Front Springs

[erstearns]

Was going to put the old springs in the blast cabinet to clean up and noticed that there was a rubber wedge stuck in one. Concluded, incorrectly, that it might be a bit weak and was thinking about replacing.

Noticed that there are several springs available depending upon which sprite your have (not including racing or lowering applications).

I have a later model wire wheel disc brake front end to install on the BE. Which spring would be applicable, BE or later model?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Bugeye.

 

[erstearns]

Thanks, will make the originals "pretty" and see how they work. Time to move this project along.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Eric,

IT took me 3 spring orders for Bugsy my '68 before I got one to work. I ended up ordering BE Springs as the first two sets I was sent must have been for a RB Spridget. Installed on Bugsy it looked like I was ready for off roading. Ride height was almost 2" higher than it should be. I do know after all that how to disassemble a front end and reinstall. Ask about the trick with the long helper bolts to reinstall the springs if you don't know it already.

 

[jlaird]

Or ask about the trick where you kick it in.

 

[TexasSprite]

Or use a floor jack

 

[erstearns]

Have sent original BE springs to be blasted and powder coated. PO must have been analytical about alignment, given the shims under the shocks and the wedge in the spring....or, trying to make up for directional problems from front end boo boo!

Had right suspension installed and noticed forgot to put spring in. Will try spring compression to get that one in. Other side not in yet, will slip in and use floor jack to compress and then bolt shock arm etc. Will get familiar with both techniques.

 

[nomad]

I like to use a couple of piece's of hardware ready bolt, air rachet and deep socket to pull the spring pans into place. Floor jack method make's me nervous. Seen springs launch across the shop that way.
KA

 

[spritenut]

I kick them in, once the weight is off the car, there is no spring force.
Undo the top trunion nut, lower the A arm all the way down and pull the spring out by hand. You have to use your foot to "kick" it in when replacing just to get it over the spring perch.
Make a 5 minute job out of R & R-ing front springs.
We have even done this to a 1500 Midget when his A arm broke at a meet.
Did it in the parking lot.

 

[erstearns]

Oops.....meant use the floor jack to raise A-arm back up to put trunion nut and bolt back in. Can see where trying to use floor jack to compress and slide in could cause premature release and launch.