installing OEM front springs help please...

[Izover4u]

Hey guys,
Well as some of you know I had to replace my front control arms on my 1996 mustang GT... Finally had the time to finsih the install what a PITA.. anyways... All that is left is to install the oem spring. I rented a spring clamp from auto zone to compress the spring (spring clamp has a long bolt with 2 hooks and a plate at the bottom). I never done this before so I am kind of lost on how this all works. I cant get the spring in the right position, the clamps are in the way... if i do manage to get the spring in the right angle, how do I get the clamp off?

Thanks guys

 

[SilverBullet00]

it takes a lot of maneuvering to get the compressor(s) back out again. You can try and rotate the spring once its in the perch or rock the control arm up and down. Its also a good time to look at a set of lowering springs, as a fixed rate spring would pop in w/o a compressor

 

[Skud]

If you have the control arm loose (i.e. you can make it touch the floor or so) then just hold the spring in the top of the perch and raise the control arm; making sure you have the spring oriented the proper way.

Then once you can't lift the control arm up any more, place a jack under the end, near the balljoint and jack away..

That's how I've always done mine..

Riley

 

[tomustang]

you don't have to use the spring compressor, just nudge the spring back in, there is enough room when the control arm is down

 

[Scorcher2005]

Hold the brake out of the way, push down on the control arm, and slide the spring in. It's even easier with lowering springs. After the spring is in, make sure it stays in place while you use a small jack to raise the control arm, bolt in the shock, reattach sway bar, brake, etc... We just did this on a Ford Ranger without a spring compressor exactly how i described it. The setup may be different on a Mustang as I've never done it to one before as mine came with some BBK lowering springs.

 

[96GTstang46]

I have done springs on mustang now for about a year and half and done it maybe 15 times.. something like that..
If you wanna get lowering springs, now is the time.. But if not, then what I do is place the top part of the spring and get it seated.. then put your foot on the control arm and push down all the way (with out the sway bar and brakes connected Duh ) then wiggle the spring side to side pushing at the same time and POP goes right in everytime..

Then one of the most important things is that you make sure the pig tail on the bottom of the spring sits where it should in the control arm.. with the spring out you can see it night and day where the pigtail should fit up agaist.. Then bolt everything back up.. its easy and I am sure you can figure it out just fine.. No need for a spring compressor..
And the rears are super easy.. takes about 45mins your first few times.. (personal best is 19mins lol) Repost and let us know!