Has anyone has a procedure for installing the stock springs on a Foxbody without the OTC spring compressor?...
Suspension Installing stock springs on my 86 GT
- Thread starter Canyonred86
- Start date
Are you sure the OTC will work??? seems like I had to return the OTC i ordered as it did not work
Over $300 if I recall??
You can try unbolting the lower control arm and then jacking the spring up into the car with it loaded in the lower control arm but I will say its not safe. Easiest thing to do is use an internal spring compressor. You have to position it correctly to be able to disassemble it inside the spring once installed and all the parts come out through the bottom hole of the lower control arm.
This is the one I have used in the past and you can "rent" them from parts stores. The end with the nut on it faces down so you can release the spring compressor once the spring is installed.
Now to do this without the compressor you can look at this thread over on the Corral specifically Post #4 but the OP ended up doing what I do:
This is the one I have used in the past and you can "rent" them from parts stores. The end with the nut on it faces down so you can release the spring compressor once the spring is installed.
Now to do this without the compressor you can look at this thread over on the Corral specifically Post #4 but the OP ended up doing what I do:
I need those two popsicle sticks again.....What difference does it make?He said "without".
Great info but I see the best and safe way to get that compressor the OTC I will bite that bullet on price with sharing with friend's and club Members with foxbodies. Expecting to replace new lower control arms after a botched ball joint repair thus my left control arm must be removed.. Thanks again for the info friendsYou can try unbolting the lower control arm and then jacking the spring up into the car with it loaded in the lower control arm but I will say its not safe. Easiest thing to do is use an internal spring compressor. You have to position it correctly to be able to disassemble it inside the spring once installed and all the parts come out through the bottom hole of the lower control arm.
This is the one I have used in the past and you can "rent" them from parts stores. The end with the nut on it faces down so you can release the spring compressor once the spring is installed.
Now to do this without the compressor you can look at this thread over on the Corral specifically Post #4 but the OP ended up doing what I do:
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Maximum Motorsports MMT-8 spring installation tool
View: https://youtu.be/d2XRgL_mp5g?si=jSFbwpqxHYTCTSIW
Blackhawkxx
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- Mar 3, 2023
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Maximum Motorsports MMT-8 spring installation tool
View: https://youtu.be/d2XRgL_mp5g?si=jSFbwpqxHYTCTSIW
I wonder if they were using stock springs in the video or shorter ones? Years ago when I removed and re-installed the stock springs on my 85 GT, using a jack under the A arm would end up lifting the car before it would get close enough to install the bolts. I had to use a spring compressor which also lead to some fun.
Maximum Motorsports MMT-8 spring installation tool
Does not work with stock front springs. They are waaaaaay to long to use this method.
OTC tool, or unbolt the control arm and then jack the control arm up and try to align the bolts/bushings at the K-member.
I've seen some shady methods uses as well. I may be guilty of such shady methods .
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