I can't compress my coil springs...help!

[RGurleyJr]

After getting L/T's done, I realized I needed a coil spring compressor. I went to AZ and got the internal one, yeah right, that's a joke. Then I dropped the control arm and tried jacking up and it went straight up instead of towards the k-member. I spent 3 hours today and got nowhere. Any other ideas? Is it common to take these things to shops to get them compressed?

 

[bdcardinal]

ive never needed a compressor to get the front or rear springs out. just have to be really good with a jack and put lots of effort with your foot into the control arm.

 

[Red35th]

Yup. Just step on the A-arm while someone trys to get the spring in there.

It takes some time but you'll feel it "pop" in.

 

[flyboy86]

For me, all it took was the stepping on the control arm, for the rear. However, for the front, I needed the spring compressor, similar to the one you said you bought.

 

[SaleenGT2001]

i have never used a spring compressor. just take everything loose. sway bar links and all and it should pop right in place.

 

[Shiroelex]

I stood on the front control arm, and popped the spring out with a big prybar. It worked alright for me.

 

[tomustang]

disconnect the brake line to get more control arm room

 

[RGurleyJr]

Guys, I am putting the car back together. I already have the spring out, I need to get it back in. When the A-arm is all the way down, the spring is at a bad angle and I can't get the bottom over the round hump in the middle of where it sits. I have the a-arm sitting on the ground now, I don't know how to try it next. Maybe the vert's are harder than the coupes?

 

[tomustang]

Guys, I am putting the car back together. I already have the spring out, I need to get it back in. When the A-arm is all the way down, the spring is at a bad angle and I can't get the bottom over the round hump in the middle of where it sits. I have the a-arm sitting on the ground now, I don't know how to try it next. Maybe the vert's are harder than the coupes?

do you have the caliper brake line disconnected?

 

[SaleenGT2001]

take a long pry bar and pry the spring into place.

 

[stangman]

Guys, I am putting the car back together. I already have the spring out, I need to get it back in. When the A-arm is all the way down, the spring is at a bad angle and I can't get the bottom over the round hump in the middle of where it sits. I have the a-arm sitting on the ground now, I don't know how to try it next. Maybe the vert's are harder than the coupes?

continue to press on the spring while you jack up the control arm. if that doesn't work do what saleen said below. it's not easy, jsut take your time & make sure that you get the pigtail lined up in the control arm, or else the front will sit too high

take a long pry bar and pry the spring into place.

 

[gtvertsoon]

Do you have lowering springs? If so, this should be easy because the springs are much shorter. If not and you want a nice raked look, cut a coil off the bottom of your springs and it'll be easier to get in, plus the stance of the car will look much better.