I am planning to remove the coil springs from my ’55 T-bird. The engine is out and jacking up on the lower control arm does not compress the spring, it just lifts the car. The upper control arm rubber bumper is non-existent; the arm is resting hard against the stop. 

I want to replace the control arm bushings before installing the engine. Only way I can imagine this happening is with coil spring compressors to remove and then they remain until the engine is installed to compress the springs so the upper bumpers are not destroyed. Are there tricks that I am overlooking? 

When a car is jacked up the upper bumpers must rest on the stop, I am guessing my last ride in the bird, 35 years ago, when the front wheels landed the original bumpers blew-up. Is it okay to have the bumpers pinned against the stop if no harsh movements happen until the engine is installed?


Also, I think that stock springs will be too tall since I have reduced weight by aluminum intake, timing cover and C4 trans, have read about cutting 2 coils or Aerostar springs.





.150 Stroked Y-Block:327.25 ci @ >1hp per ci