so i got the springs, bbk gripp 1.5'' drop.. after spending 200 on the springs really dont wanna spend another 260 to have them installed. Im pretty mechanicaly inclined but im not like a mechanic you know. Should i tackle this my self or na?
Lowering 02 GT
- Thread starter MBGT02
- Start date
It's easy. Go to your local auto parts store and rent a spring compressor. Click here for nice tutorial
Spring Installation Guide
Spring Installation Guide
joshjwc9
Active Member
I'd recommend using a impact for the front struts. Unbolt the bottom of the struts, compress the stock spring, and swap them out. The rears should take you and a friend an hour, if that. I think for the first timer it should take maybe 4 hours, start to finish. It took me and a very knowledgeable friend 5 hours to install springs shocks struts, CC plates and re-bled the brakes and changed the oil. And a spring compressor will help tremendously.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
trinity_gt
10 Year Member
Good link. I would only add to that to run a decently-sized chain through the coil spring and LCA to contain the spring if it should unexpectedly pop out or the jack should slip etc.
I'm reasonably brave but that coil scares the **** out of me. Every inch they're compressed requires ~500-lbs of force. In other words, if a spring is still loaded by just one inch and suddenly pops free, you'll suddenly be confronted with a steel object propelled at your head or limbs by a 500# impulse.
Night Shifter
Well-Known Member
I just did it yesterday
The hardest part is getting the damn shocks aligned so the screw would go in, as well as the damn sway bar...............Make sure you have both pigtails on the rear springs facing towards the drivers side. Also make sure you have a good jack.....mine was leaking and it made things a *****. Another thing most people say you need to remove the caliper on the fronts.....I found that this was not needed. Also if you have air tools USE THEM I broke a craftsman torque wrench trying to get a bolt off, it was brand new.
Another key thing to do to save time is gather all your tools ahead of time. Don't just look for them as you go.
Overall this is not that hard, some of the bolts are just tough. Also you may need a torch to heat up the the strut tower bolts under the hood to get them off......I had to take a torch to both of them and it's hard to find replacements at your average auto store.
The hardest part is getting the damn shocks aligned so the screw would go in, as well as the damn sway bar...............Make sure you have both pigtails on the rear springs facing towards the drivers side. Also make sure you have a good jack.....mine was leaking and it made things a *****. Another thing most people say you need to remove the caliper on the fronts.....I found that this was not needed. Also if you have air tools USE THEM I broke a craftsman torque wrench trying to get a bolt off, it was brand new.
Another key thing to do to save time is gather all your tools ahead of time. Don't just look for them as you go.
Overall this is not that hard, some of the bolts are just tough. Also you may need a torch to heat up the the strut tower bolts under the hood to get them off......I had to take a torch to both of them and it's hard to find replacements at your average auto store.
millhouse
Founding Member
I seem to recall not needing a spring compressor at all to do lowering springs on a pre 05 mustang. If you jack the car up and let the suspension hang, the springs will pop out with just a little persuasion from a pry-bar.
Actually, found a article explaining just this… Installing Mustang Lowering Springs
Actually, found a article explaining just this… Installing Mustang Lowering Springs
Stumbaugh
Member
Yeah when I lowered my car, I didnt use a spring compressor. I just let the control arm hang, and used a pry bar.
Night Shifter
Well-Known Member
Rejekt
Member
I didn't use a spring compressor either. May have made it easier though.
IMPACT GUN. Do yourself the favor and have one handy for that strut nut.
IMPACT GUN. Do yourself the favor and have one handy for that strut nut.
thanks guys for all the input! ill be tackling this project tommmrow night hopefully, then maybe stop looking like a 4x4 haha
Rejekt
Member
The spring compressor didnt help me much, it was very time consuming. I did the whole job myself and it took me about 7 hours i think but it was with no air tools as i was impatient and didnt take the time to ask around about an air compressor. The point is all these guys are right and weve all done it you just have to dive into it
twogts4us
15 Year Member
Congrats! This is a tough project without air tools, so extra props to you for tackling this with one hand tied behind your back!
Now,
Now,
Kman92
Active Member
topless98gt
Adhesive Feces
One important thing that I will add: if you're lowering it, I highly suggest installing CC plates too.
WELL!! all done. went smoothly, 3 hours. Have one little issue, my back on drives side sits a little higher then the right... im kinda anal so this bothers me lol but maybe they'll settle in place.
if you look closely in front of my rear wheel you can see how low my muffler and actually whole exhaust is now 
