I was trying to remove the front spring on my car to change the guide rod mounts, which I have done a couple times in the past with no problems (using an ebay clone mercedes spring compressor). But, this time the lower spring plate slipped and is jammed halfway between one coil and another. I tried everything I can think of to get it out, but its still stuck. Is there a way to either unbolt or saw/torch apart the suspension with the spring uncompressed in a safe way? Or is the car going to be unrepairable. I am not very strong, but I can try other suggestions if anyone has them, but I am not sure what more I can do. I don't think there are any members here who live near me either, although if someone had time to help me that would be greatly appreciated.

Where do you live?

Post some pics of what you have.

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Is the compressor still in place? Can you compress the spring enough to remove it?

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I live in Vacaville. I'm pretty sure no one who works on their own car lives in this area. Here are some pics. The lower spring plate is stuck so tight it won't move at all.

Attached Thumbnails

   

The compressor is in place, but the lower plate is jammed inside the spring one coil to high to be able to remove it.

the spring compressors you rent from the parts stores fit around the outside of the spring. maybe you can hook it up and manipulate it enough (safely) to get that bottom plate out...

__________________
1981 NA 300D 310k miles

Ahh... Ok, don't give up just yet.
It looks like you still have the suspension assembled, that's good.
First I would raise the car and get a jack under the control arm, then undo the lbj nut, and disconnect it, then lower the control arm until it's fully extended against the shock, and see if you have enough play to get the plate back under the coil...

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

The plate is firmly stuck inside the spring. I was thinking about maybe compressing the spring as far as it will go then popping the upper ball joint loose to get more room, other than that idk.

That actually worked, I was able to compress it enough still to pop the upper ball joint loose and pry the control arm down and it just fell out. How do I keep that from happening again though? The springs are stiffer than stock ones so the coils are a little bigger, would the be part of it?

Not sure, do the plates fit on the spring coil?

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I don't remember pulling the spring to cha he guide rod mount. What else are you after?

__________________
85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.