Coil Spring Spacer problems 55 Chevrolet

I recently purchased some of those coil spring spacers they sell on ebay (horseshoe shape), and have been struggling with them all weekend. The issue is that I cant even get the coil springs compressed enough to slip the spacers underneath and into the lower A arm pocket, which is what I was afraid of. I thought I had researched doing this thoroughly enough but I guess not now. It seems to me that I will need to install ball joint spacers to allow enough space between the upper and lower a arms for the springs and the spacers. Before I burn another 100 dollars on ball joint spacers, has anyone tried these spacers before and had the same problem, are ball joint spacers necessary? I realize now that I will need taller shocks as well. I know there are few threads on here about similar issues but they arent answering my questions. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

I believe you have to seperate the spindle from the lower A arm to set the spacer in place.. If you do this make sure you run a chain inside the spring through the top A arm.. Don't want an accident.. You could then put new stiffer springs in and do away with the spacers.. Or if you want to be real cheap, just put springs jacks in like they did in 60's.. Used to use them plenty(as many as 3 a side) and never had a problem.. Good luck........

 

you need one of them really big coil spring compressors i have the spacers in my chevy the were a basterd to get in
here is what i used in my car,
new shocks
shock extensions from jegs
( C ) spacers
new ball joints & ball joint spacers
it was super hard to install everything but its worth it car sits like 4 inches higher and rides real smooth .
this is what you need

 

Lorodz said it, spring compresser.

 

Stronger springs with the ball joint spacer installed for "A" arm to frame clearance. I still have to install the shock extensions.

 

You're not going to be able to compress the spring enough to slip the spacer in there without disconnecting the spindle.

-Brad

 

Lorodz, when you say new ball joints, will stock ball joints work with the ball joint spacers? Mine are only a few years old I'd rather not replace them if possible.

I am also concerned that with the C spacers in the lower A arm pocket that the spring will be above the rim of the pocket and could possibly slip out, could this be a problem?

 

If it were mine, I'd put the spacers in the top of the spring pocket, specifically for that reason.

-Brad