Front Spring Removal Help

[Silver2002Vert]

Bought eibach springs for my '02 convertible. No problem with installation on the rear but can't get the spring compressor on the front springs. What is the proper method to the remove the front springs?

 

[kstang69]

check out mustangworld.com how to's. they do it there without the spring compressor. i remember it was pretty hard for me when i installed springs on old v6 and next time(on the 8) im not gonna used the compressor. maybe this helps, maybe not?

 

[Silver2002Vert]

Thanks for the advice. I will check it out.

 

[Skymarshal]

There's no room for an internal spring compresser, and I don't think there's much for the external type either (which is good- I don't like those).

I was able to get mine out without a spring compresser.
-Support the car's frame on jackstands
-disconnect the sway bar end link
-unbolt the clamp holding the hard brake line to the frame
-preload the strut with a floor jack
-unbolt the upper strut nuts on top of the shock tower
-slowly lower the jack and guide the strut down and out of the wheelwell
You should now be able to remove the spring as you push the lower a-arm as far down as it will go. It will be under very little tension, but if it makes you feel better, lash it to the frame with a length of chain. You may need to use a pry bar to pop it up and over the lip of the seat on the a-arm.

The new springs go in easily, since they're shorter! (duh)

 

[Dakkon]

you dont need a spring compressor.. just do what mustangworld.com says to do. my fronts took 30-40min each or so to replace.

 

[Silver2002Vert]

Got the front springs in yesterday afternoon. Used the info from Mustang World, but rather than remove the struts from the top, I unbolted the struts from the spindle. The springs went in in about 30 to 40 minutes per side.

 

[MisterCMK]

Make sure your alignment is still dead on.
I used the method on mustangworld.com, but it took me about 3 hours for each side. However, because I detailed everything while I was in there.