Coil spring install

Ok, I've had about enough of these coil springs.

Can anybody recommend an effective way to install new coil springs (on a 4h gen)? I'm upgrading from a inline 6 to 350, so I purchased small block springs (about 1" taller). Unfortunately, I have the subframe off the car right now, so I don't have any weight on it.

I have a coil spring compressor, but it just doesn't compress the spring enough for me to get the lower control arm up so I can tighten the ball joint nut.

Is there a better coil compressor that I don't know about? (I have the kind that goes in the center of the spring and has 4 arms - 2 long, 2 short)

OR, should I just finish assembling the rest of the subframe, re-attach to the car and put the springs in once the engine is in?

I just finished putting coil springs in a 49 chevy project, with the aftermarket TCI front suspension.

I think you need the weight of the engine on the front end to get those springs in place.

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90854

check this thread.

i hooked a rachet strap on the lower a arm and the other end to the frame and sucked it right up to the point i could start the ball joint nut.

How did you get the spring into the pocket on the lower control arm? The spring is straight, and with the curve it has to make into the pocket would seem almost impossible without compressing it first.

my situation was on a 3rd gen car. big block spring went right in, floor jacked up untill car started to lift, rachet strap the rest of the way till i could start the nut..
chaz

I had a couple of people sit on the frame as I jacked it up enough to start the nut. I also used a compressor on the spring
I was also thinking of anchoring it down to the floor with jack stands under the frame

just did mine no engine or hood. Bought internal spring compressor 35 dollars works great no fuss.