• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Suspension Installing stock springs on my 86 GT

  • Thread starter Thread starter Canyonred86
  • Start date Start date May 14, 2025

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
May 14, 2025
#1
  • May 14, 2025
  • #1
Has anyone has a procedure for installing the stock springs on a Foxbody without the OTC spring compressor?...
 

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
5 Year Member
Oct 4, 2020
5,467
2,902
173
Florida
May 14, 2025
#2
  • May 14, 2025
  • #2
Canyonred86 said:
Has anyone has a procedure for installing the stock springs on a Foxbody without the OTC spring compressor?...
Click to expand...
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??
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
43,122
21,290
234
Box behind Walmart
May 14, 2025
#3
  • May 14, 2025
  • #3
limp said:
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??
Click to expand...

What difference does it make? He said "without".
 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
5,905
4,028
183
Claremore, OK
May 15, 2025
#4
  • May 15, 2025
  • #4
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:

https://www.corral.net/threads/front-spring-install.1027923/
 
Reactions: Canyonred86

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
5 Year Member
Oct 4, 2020
5,467
2,902
173
Florida
May 15, 2025
#5
  • May 15, 2025
  • #5
Noobz347 said:
What difference does it make? He said "without".
Click to expand...
I need those two popsicle sticks again.....
 
Reactions: Canyonred86 and nickyb

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
43,122
21,290
234
Box behind Walmart
May 15, 2025
#6
  • May 15, 2025
  • #6
limp said:
I need those two popsicle sticks again.....
Click to expand...
 

Canyonred86

Member
Sep 25, 2023
21
12
13
Chicago IL
May 17, 2025
#7
  • May 17, 2025
  • #7
AeroCoupe said:
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:

https://www.corral.net/threads/front-spring-install.1027923/
Click to expand...
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 friends
 

Attachments

  • 20250514_185015.webp
    555.5 KB · Views: 55
  • 20250516_090024.webp
    588.5 KB · Views: 66
  • 20250514_175731.webp
    178.1 KB · Views: 56
  • 20250514_175727.webp
    131 KB · Views: 62
J

JMG9350

Active Member
May 9, 2022
47
27
28
Wyoming
May 18, 2025
#8
  • May 18, 2025
  • #8

Maximum Motorsports MMT-8 spring installation tool

View: https://youtu.be/d2XRgL_mp5g?si=jSFbwpqxHYTCTSIW
 
Reactions: Blackhawkxx

Blackhawkxx

Advanced Member
Mar 3, 2023
483
477
73
May 18, 2025
#9
  • May 18, 2025
  • #9
JMG9350 said:

Maximum Motorsports MMT-8 spring installation tool

View: https://youtu.be/d2XRgL_mp5g?si=jSFbwpqxHYTCTSIW
Click to expand...
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.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,260
17,945
224
Massachusetts
May 19, 2025
#10
  • May 19, 2025
  • #10
JMG9350 said:

Maximum Motorsports MMT-8 spring installation tool
Click to expand...


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 .
 
Reactions: Canyonred86 and Blackhawkxx
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Engine Tuning...?
  • justadude07
  • May 30, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
218
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 6, 2026
Blown88GT
4
Drivetrain Wilwood Clutch and Brake Pedal Combo Installation - Help
  • 427stang
  • Jul 8, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
49
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 8, 2026
427stang
4
8
Engine 86 GT heavy throttle pedal
  • 86 Convert
  • Sep 4, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
103
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 4, 2025
86 Convert
8
O
Suspension Extremely Quick / Light Steering
  • Okie
  • Oct 21, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
188
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 22, 2025
AeroCoupe
WTB Front coil springs for a 86 GT
  • Canyonred86
  • May 22, 2025
  • Want to Buy
Replies
0
Views
101
Want to Buy May 22, 2025
Canyonred86
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?