Coil spring replacement

CHRIS MALEAS

MEMBER
1989 PONTIAC TRANS AM
3.8L
6 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

I have the car listed above. Engine VIN is 7. One of my front coil springs has a fracture and I want to replace both front springs. However, the part is discontinued by GM and I can't find any aftermarket companies that make a replacement. I suspect it's due to the rarity of the car. Any ideas on what to do or any suggestions on companies to contact? Thanks

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,896 POSTS

Hi,

Have you tried GM parts direct or Rock Auto? Also, other than that, if you can't find it aftermarket, you may have to try a salvage yard.

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, October 12th, 2020 AT 4:52 PM

CHRIS MALEAS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for the reply. Tried GM parts direct, but the part is not available and is discontinued. Don't want a salvage part and that probably wouldn't be possible, since there were only 1,500 of these cars produced. The springs are specific to the turbo. Was thinking I may have to have them custom made. Maybe, Detroit Spring? Thanks

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Monday, October 12th, 2020 AT 5:02 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,896 POSTS

Hi,

I was speaking with the site owner and he felt springs from any of the V6 would work. Have you checked into that?

I don't know if you need this, here are the directions for removal and replacement. The attached pics correlate with directions.

_____________________

1989 Pontiac Firebird V6-231 3.8L
Front Coil Spring
Vehicle Steering and Suspension Suspension Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ) Service and Repair Procedures Front Coil Spring
FRONT COIL SPRING
Fig. 6 Coil Spring Replace

Pic 1

Fig. 7 Lower Control Arm Dimension A Measurement Location (Part 1 Of 2)

Pic 2

Fig. 7 Lower Control Arm Dimension A Measurement Location (Part 2 Of 2)

Pic 3

1. Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
2. Remove stabilizer link and bushings from lower control arm.
3. Remove cotter pin and nut from tie rod end.
4. Using tool J-24292-B or equivalent, disconnect tie rod end from steering knuckle.
5. Using a suitable spring compressor, compress coil spring, Fig. 6.
6. Remove lower control arm pivot bolt, then pivot control arm rearward.
7. Remove spring compressor and coil spring.
8. Reverse procedure to install. When installing, position coil spring as shown in Fig. 6. Lower control arm must be positioned at dimension A, Fig. 7, when torquing bolts.

_______________________________________

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, October 12th, 2020 AT 5:27 PM

CHRIS MALEAS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks. I have cross referenced all of the Firebird and Trans Am models, with all the various engine variations and none of them have come up as a match. The 6 cylinder models come in at a lighter engine weight than the 3.8L turbo. Centric auto parts manufacturer was the only company that I found, that manufactured the springs, but when I contacted them, they had discontinued production too. At this point, I think the only option is to have them custom made. I appreciate your efforts. Thanks

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Monday, October 12th, 2020 AT 5:44 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS