This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with independent rear suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Spring insulators/cushions (upper and lower) × 4 — Replace if deteriorated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential housing or rear frame crossmember
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails, NOT under suspension components
6. Remove rear wheels and set aside
7. Apply penetrating oil to all suspension fasteners and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
8. Visually inspect spring compressor tool for damage or wear before use

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear differential and suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear differential housing with a block of wood to distribute load. Raise jack until it just contacts the differential but does NOT lift the vehicle. The suspension should be at ride height or slightly lower. This jack will control the suspension during disassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear shock absorber lower mount
   Working on the side where spring will be replaced, locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the rear strut rod bracket. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Swing shock absorber up and secure out of the way with wire or bungee cord to prevent interference.
3. 3

   Remove strut rod to spindle support bolt
   Locate the strut rod (trailing arm) connection to the spindle support bracket. Remove the bolt securing the strut rod to the spindle support. This bolt passes through the strut rod bushing. The strut rod will remain attached at the front frame mount.
4. 4

   Disconnect camber control rod
   Locate the camber control rod (upper lateral link) at the spindle support. Remove the bolt and nut securing the camber rod to the spindle support. Note the position of any shims or adjustment cams for reassembly. The camber rod will remain attached at the frame mount.
5. 5

   Lower suspension to relieve spring tension
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the differential. As you lower, the suspension will droop and the coil spring will begin to extend. Lower until the spring is loose enough that it can be moved by hand. DO NOT allow suspension to drop suddenly. Control the descent.
6. 6

   Install coil spring compressor
   Install the coil spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions. The compressor jaws or hooks must engage at least 3 full coils and be positioned symmetrically opposite each other. Ensure the tool is properly seated and will not slip during compression.
7. 7

   Compress and remove coil spring
   Gradually tighten the spring compressor, alternating between adjustment points to compress evenly. Compress the spring until it is fully unloaded from the spring seats. Carefully remove the compressed spring assembly from the vehicle, noting the orientation of upper and lower spring insulators. Keep spring compressed in the tool.
8. 8

   Inspect spring seats and insulators
   Inspect the upper spring seat on the frame and the lower spring seat on the control arm. Clean any rust or debris with a wire brush. Inspect spring insulators (rubber cushions) for cracking, deterioration, or compression. Replace insulators if damaged or compressed more than 25% of original thickness.
9. 9

   Transfer compressor to new spring
   If reusing the spring compressor, carefully release tension from the old spring in a controlled manner following tool instructions. Install compressor on new spring and compress until spring length matches the old compressed spring. Install new or reused upper and lower spring insulators on the new spring in the correct orientation.
10. 10

    Install new coil spring
    Position the compressed new spring between the upper frame seat and lower control arm seat. Ensure the spring end positions correctly in the formed pocket of each seat, and that the spring insulators remain properly positioned. The bottom coil end typically faces toward the rear of the vehicle.
11. 11

    Release spring compressor
    Raise the floor jack under the differential slightly to align suspension components. Gradually and evenly release the spring compressor tension, allowing the spring to seat fully into the upper and lower spring pockets. Once spring is fully seated and loaded, carefully remove the compressor tool.
12. 12

    Raise suspension to working height
    Using the floor jack under the differential, raise the suspension to approximately ride height. This will align the mounting holes for the suspension links. The suspension should be at or slightly above normal ride height for proper bolt installation.
13. 13

    Reconnect camber control rod
    Align the camber control rod with the spindle support bracket. Install the bolt and nut, along with any shims or adjustment cams in their original positions. Tighten the nut to 42 ft-lbs. Final torque should be performed with vehicle at ride height.
14. 14

    Reconnect strut rod to spindle support
    Align the strut rod with the spindle support bracket. Install the bolt through the strut rod bushing and bracket. Install nut and tighten to 52 ft-lbs. Final torque should be performed with vehicle at ride height.
15. 15

    Reconnect shock absorber lower mount
    Position the shock absorber lower eye to the strut rod bracket. Install the lower mounting bolt and nut. Tighten to 38 ft-lbs.
16. 16

    Repeat for opposite side
    If replacing both rear springs, repeat steps 2 through 15 for the opposite side. Use the same careful procedures and torque specifications. Both springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced handling.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack
3. Once vehicle weight is on wheels, torque lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs in star pattern
4. Remove wheel chocks
5. Perform final torque check on all suspension fasteners with vehicle at ride height after 50 miles of driving
6. Schedule a four-wheel alignment within 100 miles of completing this repair to ensure proper camber, toe, and thrust angle settings

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify spring returns vehicle to normal height without binding or noise
• Visually inspect under vehicle to confirm all suspension components are properly connected and no tools or parts were left behind
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• After test drive, re-inspect all fasteners for proper torque and check for any fluid leaks
• Verify rear suspension sits level side-to-side at normal ride height

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