Last week, I took some measurements for a valve spring removal tool to be used on the car. I have read about many people having problems with the lever type so I came up with this. It is made of 3/8 thick AR plate, (very strong stuff), and was rough cut with a computer controlled plasma cutter. We then drilled the hole in it, and then milled a recessed area on the bottom side that is 1.50" wide so that the tool does not slide off the valve spring while compressing it. I just got a 7/16' threaded rod, and some grade 8 nuts. All you need to do is remove the stock studs, install this stud and then use a 1/2" ratchet and tighten the nut down. You could also use an air ratchet for even faster times. Look at the links below for some pictures of the tool.

http://groups.msn.com/BriansFbodyPic...to&PhotoID=111
http://groups.msn.com/BriansFbodyPic...to&PhotoID=112
http://groups.msn.com/BriansFbodyPic...to&PhotoID=113
http://groups.msn.com/BriansFbodyPic...to&PhotoID=114
http://groups.msn.com/BriansFbodyPic...to&PhotoID=115
http://groups.msn.com/BriansFbodyPic...to&PhotoID=116
http://groups.msn.com/BriansFbodyPic...to&PhotoID=117

The tool works great so far, but I havent had a chance to use it on my car personally since its in storage. Tell me what you think of it.

Brian

 

Very nice and easy to use. I went over and personally used it. If you've never changed springs before(which I haven't), it's cake.

 

I don't guess you'd be willing to share all of the dimensions, would ya?

 

I dont think I will share them, yet anyway. I thought about talking to my friend at the steel working shop and ask him about making a few more of these and sell them. I guess I need to make a phone call.

Brian

 

Not a bad design.

 

You can already buy an IDECTICAL tool just about anywhere. They are not hard to make.

 

Hmmm, guess you live somewhere that there are autoparts stores on every corner . I have only seen one person on LS1tech.com sell ones like these and thats the only place. All the ones I have seen in stores are the lever type. I didnt make it to sell it, I just made it for my own use on my car and several others. They are kinda hard to make when you have to use a milling machine, and a plasma cutter to cut this material with. This isnt your average mild steel you can buy at Joe Blow's hardware store . I was just sharing the part I made incase anyone else wanted to give it a try.

Brian

 

Don't get me wrong, its an awesome design and does work VERY well. I guess I'm just too used to having access to the tools required to make stuff like that.

 

I understand that, my main focus in posting this was to show other people an idea for changing springs easier. I have read alot of posts where people dont like the lever type with our engine compartments, and this is a much better solution. Having access to these tools is very nice, but not everyone has the access like you and me .

Brian

 

Any updates on this tool? I need to swap springs soon!

-B

 

Its a great idea, but it would be even better if it worked on the rocker stud...
Nice work, though!

 

Don't see why it wouldn't?

 

Dude,
That design is so simple that it IS Brilliant. VERY NICE!!



Thx,
Claude

 

Thanks for the compliments guys!! Actually the tool does work pretty well. Only problem that I had was the hole for the stud to go through wasnt quite large enough. I mean it worked, but it occasionly got stuck on the threads. Not a big deal, but I know what I have to improve on. It would actually work best if the whole was actually a slot.

It will work on the rocker stud if you happen to have a fine thread nut either in 5/16 for stock or 7/16 for aftermarket studs. I just used a short section of coarse 7/16" rod with a couple of grade 8 nuts. When I go to use it again in a few weeks, I am going to use some grade 8 threaded rod though.

Overall the tool works great, and I was a bit surprised to see this thread come back to life.

Brian

 

Great design!, posting pics kinda gave it away though!

I want one! This would be AWESOME with an air-ratchet!