Can anyone give me some advice on how to get the front springs over the "hump" on the lower control arm? Im breaking my back trying to compress it enough to do so. I think half the issue is that I have new upper bushings for them, stiffining the spring tension...blah.

quote Originally posted by Sparx: Can anyone give me some advice on how to get the front springs over the "hump" on the lower control arm? Im breaking my back trying to compress it enough to do so. I think half the issue is that I have new upper bushings for them, stiffining the spring tension...blah.

You need a set of spring compressors. You can buy these at any auto parts store. They are typically a set of clamps which prevent the spring from expanding. You will absolutely need spring compressors in order to re-install the spring, otherwise it's just not going to happen.

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Todd,
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2004 Volkswagen Beetle Convt. (Wife's)
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6
1981 EZ-GO Xi875-A "Miami Dolphins" Medical Cart
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter
1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 350

82-T/A is right.
Get a spring compressor.
I read on the forum that you compress the spring on the bench.
Then wrap wire around the spring in a couple places, and secure the wire.
Remove compressor, install spring, jack up lower control arm
and remove wire wrapped on spring.
jack up the control arm, assemble and install shock.
That's the quick version.
I measured the uncompress spring length, took a guess and how much the spring
needs to be compressed, compress spring, wrap with wire, install.

That's how it worked for me on my 88 GT

Good Luck

Been there, done that (Now hit my rateing bar).
The cable picture is vinal coated from Home Depo and is about 1/16th the 1/8 is too thick! Look for the Green colored Vinal cable and reuse, if possible, on the other side.Buy at least two 8 feet sections,for a continous loop pictured.Use a jack to push the bottom of the A-arm back into position.For safety allways wear gloves and tye off the coil spring, and no,it wont or shouldnt pop out.