Front coil springs

[stevesLX]

I picked up some new springs and plan on installing them this weekened. I have been told that all I will not need a spring compressor to do this. I was told that all I need to do is disconnect my front sway bar, mark my outer tie rods, unbolt my shock, and lower the lower control arm and they will either pop right out or I may have to yank down on the control arm to get it out. And do the opposite to install the new ones. The springs that are in there right now are factory height springs. The ones that I am putting in are 1.5 shorter. Any help on how to do this would be appreciated. I dont want to eat a spring if not neccessary.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

First, get the car high on blocks, or a hoist. Second, put a floor jack under the control arm. Third, unbolt your sway bar link. Fourth, unbolt the strut. From here on out, use your judgement on how to get it out. You will use a variety of methods to raise and lower the car and the floor jack. Once you are ready to remove the spring, just lower the floor jack slowly. I would still stand off to the side just to be safe....you don't want to get wacked anywhere on your body.

Reinstallation of the spring will be easier because they are lowering springs, and you won't have to work as hard to get them seated. You can use the floor jack again to jack the control arm up and get everything back together.

I would suggest a front end alignment after all said and done. Have the shop check your bumpsteet also. You want both tie rod ends to be parellel with the ground. If they are way up or way down, the road will steer your car, not you.

 

[habiv]

I just re-did my entire suspension and it was a pain. When you are ready to take the old springs out make SURE you tie it up with a chain or rope because it may pop out severely. the springs are under a great deal of pressure even when you lower the control arm. Also, installing the new ones is not a walk in the park so prepare yourself. The springs go in on an angle and even thouogh they will be 1.5 inches lower it is still a very tight fit. I sat the spring on the control arm and then wedged it up with a rod while I slowly raised the control arm from underneath. Some people unbolt the control arm all together but i bolted it up first and then raise the front. good luck!

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Good point about needing a pry bar, it will help pry the spring in.

You will not need to unbolt the control arm, that will just be more work. I did new stock springs on a 97 Cobra I had last year. My hoist and air tools made it easy, if you have them, use them.

 

[stevesLX]

Thanks guys I appreciate it.

 

[habiv]

You will not need to unbolt the control arm, that will just be more work.QUOTE]

Thanks for clarifying. I replaced my control arms when i replaced the springs so I shouldn't have even included that

 

[HISSIN50]

I like to unbolt the LCA to K-member fasteners and allow the spring to come out from the inside of the LCA (the ball joint and strut dont get touched). This is just another way of doing things. No spring compressor needed for me, even with vert springs.

Good luck.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

You will not need to unbolt the control arm, that will just be more work.QUOTE]

Thanks for clarifying. I replaced my control arms when i replaced the springs so I shouldn't have even included that

No problem man....I want to replace ALL my suspension on the Cobra this spring. I have put it off for 1 year. My car is all over the road, and changes lanes when it hits bumps. I know all the drag racing wore everything out. I am gonna do it all. Just stock replacement parts, but I will be happy with stock and mostly safe suspension from now on....see ya guys!

 

[5.0_Junkie]

I agree with what SVT32VDOHC said that's how I put my Steeda Sport Springs in. Just remember to get the car really high in the front because the LCA has to almost become perpendicular to the floor before the spring will come out. Even after I did this I still had to go underneath the car and kick/Pry the spring out. Also I ran a chain thought the center of the spring and threw on an old Motocross helmet that I had. I figured I could take a hit to the chest better that to the head!!!

 

[habiv]

Also I ran a chain thought the center of the spring and threw on an old Motocross helmet that I had. I figured I could take a hit to the chest better that to the head!!!

I know exactly how you felt. I would have worn a helmet if i had one. Those springs are in there crazy tight!

 

[armyjon]

I did the whole pro-kit on my 94 4 days ago. I would suggest unbolting the tie rod, so you can move your hub back and forth easier. Unbolt the sway bar link from the LCA and position your jack under the innermost portion of the LCA. When your jack is good remove the LCA to k-member bolts and slowly lower your jack. Spring comes right out when you the jack. Installation is reverse of the removal.

 

[HISSIN50]

I did the whole pro-kit on my 94 4 days ago. I would suggest unbolting the tie rod, so you can move your hub back and forth easier. Unbolt the sway bar link from the LCA and position your jack under the innermost portion of the LCA. When your jack is good remove the LCA to k-member bolts and slowly lower your jack. Spring comes right out when you the jack. Installation is reverse of the removal.

I guess you and I are alone on preferring this method.

I like it - no need to crap our pants trying to pry a spring out from a LCA perch, and you could put 4x4 springs in and not have to pry or hold the spring in the perch.

 

[Shakerhood]

Make sure you position the Front Springs so that the Pigtail is in the middle of the 2 small holes drilled in the Lower A Arm.