Installing new front spring/shocks

[Bill Todd]

I'm installing the new front shock/spring combo from Gordons and have ran into a wall. I cant seem t0 figure out how to compress the spring about an inch so that the shock will fit in the brackets. Anyone have any insight on how to do this? thanks.. Bill T.

 

[Craig Parada]

I installed mine a couple of months ago with no problems. With the front end up off the ground, the front suspension should be fully extended, you should have to slightly lift the wheels to fit the shock-spring. Mine is an early chassis, the layout on later model Amphicars are different, and use different shocks and springs. Could that be the issue?

Craig in Alviso

 

[Bill Todd]

I installed mine a couple of months ago with no problems. With the front end up off the ground, the front suspension should be fully extended, you should have to slightly lift the wheels to fit the shock-spring. Mine is an early chassis, the layout on later model Amphicars are different, and use different shocks and springs. Could that be the issue?

Craig in Alviso

Thanks Craig.. I have an early model also and the shocks are just too long. From what you are telling me , I should not have to compress the spring to get them on and that I may have the wrong shock..

 

[Ken Chambers]

Mine installed like Craig's. I doubt it would be the wrong shock. Check for interference. Your trailing arms should rotate about the solid axle bushings a bit further. They might not have extended that far in many years and needs some assistance. Please keep us informed. Good luck.

Ken Chambers, CA
'64 Red

 

[mike_israel]

Maybe post a picture of what you are encountering. Someone should be able to help out.

 

[MAE]

It's not likely your shocks are incorrect as Gordons would know exactly what you need. Sounds like a distance issue with the lower shock support. Since you cannot adjust the top bracket work the bottom down.

 

[Bill Todd]

It's not likely your shocks are incorrect as Gordons would know exactly what you need. Sounds like a distance issue with the lower shock support. Since you cannot adjust the top bracket work the bottom down.

Concur. Thanks. Im now searching for some type of spreading device so that I can lengthen the distance between the brackets by an inch.

 

[Bill Todd]

Floor jack from the 'burb worked perfectly.. thanks all.