Aftermarket Spring Installation

[SkyMaster19]

So I broke down and grabbed a great deal on a set of Steeda Ultralights, now the fun part. The rears look pretty easy, but I've heard many ways on how to replace the fronts. I ran across the following on the net:

"You don't even need a spring compressor to do the fronts. Get the car high enough and support the lower control arm (where the bottom of the shock mounts) with a floor jack. Take off the the big nut that holds the shock to the upper mount and leave the 4 small nuts alone. Then slowly lower the jack to release the spring tension. I saw it done on horsepower tv when they did the GT to Roush conversion. I watched it numerous times and it looks simple."

So the question is has anyone knocked it out this way, or should I stick with the tried and true method with a compressor?

 

[dro]

So I broke down and grabbed a great deal on a set of Steeda Ultralights, now the fun part. The rears look pretty easy, but I've heard many ways on how to replace the fronts. I ran across the following on the net:

"You don't even need a spring compressor to do the fronts. Get the car high enough and support the lower control arm (where the bottom of the shock mounts) with a floor jack. Take off the the big nut that holds the shock to the upper mount and leave the 4 small nuts alone. Then slowly lower the jack to release the spring tension. I saw it done on horsepower tv when they did the GT to Roush conversion. I watched it numerous times and it looks simple."

So the question is has anyone knocked it out this way, or should I stick with the tried and true method with a compressor?

Get a compressor, you can rent one from an auto parts store. There is no reason why you can't do it the right/safe way.......

It took me a little over an hour on the install for myself and the hardest/longest part was uncompressing the spring compressors because they were the double hook/nut style which took a long time to uncompress...

 

[NastyStang113]

Just get a spring compressor. I bought a half decent one that has worked on F150 springs, which are a LOT stiffer than any Mustang spring, for around ~$40-50.

 

[Wind-Farmer]

Interesting, I would love to do a lowering job myself, but..just don't have the tools/room to do it.

Pretty scared on taking my car to auto shops, as for i am a perfectionist with my car...and they don't like it when i stand and watch them do the work.


I would personally go with a spring compressor although.

 

[bradleyem]

Definately use a spring compressor. If those springs let loose under pressure they can badly hurt or even kill you. I've worked on lots of 4 wheel drive vehicles installing lifts, and now I will always do it the proper, safe way. Twice I've seen very near misses that could have been very messy. Many auto parts stores will rent you a spring compressor for a refundable deposit. They are also not very expensive to buy (just make sure that you get one with locking pins to hold the spring in place). Another good alternative is to remove the entire spring assemblies from the car, and take them to a shop such as midas, or any shop that does shocks/suspension. Many of these will dissassemble and reassemble the springs for a very reasonable fee (the guy that I use charges me $25). They usually have a hydraulic spring compressor, and can do them in no time at all. And you still get to have the experience of doing most of the work yourself.

 

[garbledwords]

+1 on all of the advice. I just did the springs and struts thing myself in my garage by myself. It was pretty much straight forward. Just took time as I really haven't done any mechanic type work for some time. Brought a jack and some stands and went to it.

 

[saleen308]

I used a spring compressor for my Steeda springs. I rented one from Autozone so the rental didn't even coat me anything. An air compressor will help speed up the process of compressing the springs. Enjoy

 

[NastyStang113]

Definitely want an impact, electric or air, to compress the springs with the spring compressor. It won't be fun doing it by hand.

 

[LV51FER]

It's not that hard. Here's mine:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2177534/5

Sure, winding the compressors by hand spanner is tedious but what the hey, it's all part of the fun.