questions on changing springs on 04 GT

[drag0nfan's04GT]

I've found two threads on how to change the springs, both on different models, but I had a couple of questions that I didn't see addressed. I noticed that both basically used jack stands and basic tools. I considered doing it on post so that I'd have access to their facilities. I'd have a lift and power tools, but I wondered if the lift would make it easier, or get in the way. Some people mentioned using a spring compresser, most did not. I know that these directions were a work around in case someone didn't have one, but they may have one there. Worse case scenario, I can stop by Autozone since I know the one here rents them out. So what's best and easiestroute to take? Jacks, stands, and regular tools in the garage; lift and compresser, no lift, no compresser? Any help would be very much appreciated. I'll be doing this on a 2004 GT by the way. Thanks in advance.

 

[ocbaud]

i swapped in my eibach sportlines in under 2 hours last week. very easy and quick to do.

i had 2 jacks and basic hand tools

 

[streetstang03]

a lift and air tools will always be faster. you wont need a spring compressor either. just use a pry bar, thats what i did and it worked out great. i had air tools and jacks and it didnt take long at all.

 

[closer9]

If you do it on a lift (which would definately help) make sure you still use a jack to lower the control arm/spring IF you're not going to use spring compressors. Otherwise, the spring might come out a little easier than you want...

 

[03ghoststang]

a lift and air tools will make the job easier and like mentioned earlier put a jck under the arm or that spring will pop out and cause some heavy damages to anyone standing in front

 

[ponysarepretty]

there is a how to on mustangworld if you care to look over there.

 

[hognutz]

as long as a person understand that the spring is compressed and needs to be supported before removal there is no way to screw this up.

I would use the lift. then all you need is a floor jack to support the spring bring removed. It will go very fast.

with a lift and air tools I would think you could have this done in 1hour no problem.

 

[BooWFO]

If you have access to a lift they prolly have a tranny jack for using on a lift. They are tall that way you are standing and not bend over.
But yeah I've done it a bunch of ways and a bunch of times.
Lifts and air tools make it ALOT easier. heck took longer for my caliper paint to dry than to switch springs.

 

[mity2]

if you have lift, it'll save your back from back pain - then I'm older them many of you..

 

[Hornetsnest]

Like everyone else said...Use the lift and air tools...Don't need the compressor...Use the jack to preload the suspension

 

[drag0nfan's04GT]

Thanks everybody. They let me off early yesterday, and I just did it while at home. A couple of jacks and some jack stands was all I needed. This is the link I used for directions. http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/fcar/steedaspring1.htm It was better than most of the ones I saw because it was not only detailed, but came with pictures. The only thing I'd add is the socket sizes, but that's just gravy. I think I used a 15mm on the strut nuts/bolt, an 18mm on the rear shock bolt, and I can't really remember which one I used for the brake caliper removal. It took a little more than two hours, but I don't think that's too bad since I did it alone and for my first time. The rear springs didn't want to go in because I had no one to help by pushing down on the axle. After bending the broom handle and breaking the shovel handle, I finally was able to get something to pry down on each side as I squeezed them in. You wouldn't believe what I used. I'm a bit country, not redneck, so I used what I had. I used the steel stake that I use when playing a game of horseshoes. It's about two feet in length and about 1/2 an inch think. I know it sounds ghetto, but it worked. I got a good drop from the BBK springs and I'll try to have some pics up this weekend some time. It handles great and looks much better than before. Thanks again for everyone's input.

 

[Nater]

Thanks everybody. They let me off early yesterday, and I just did it while at home. A couple of jacks and some jack stands was all I needed. This is the link I used for directions. http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/fcar/steedaspring1.htm It was better than most of the ones I saw because it was not only detailed, but came with pictures. The only thing I'd add is the socket sizes, but that's just gravy. I think I used a 15mm on the strut nuts/bolt, an 18mm on the rear shock bolt, and I can't really remember which one I used for the brake caliper removal. It took a little more than two hours, but I don't think that's too bad since I did it alone and for my first time. The rear springs didn't want to go in because I had no one to help by pushing down on the axle. After bending the broom handle and breaking the shovel handle, I finally was able to get something to pry down on each side as I squeezed them in. You wouldn't believe what I used. I'm a bit country, not redneck, so I used what I had. I used the steel stake that I use when playing a game of horseshoes. It's about two feet in length and about 1/2 an inch think. I know it sounds ghetto, but it worked. I got a good drop from the BBK springs and I'll try to have some pics up this weekend some time. It handles great and looks much better than before. Thanks again for everyone's input.

That's the issue I had with the rears. I couldn't get the bolt to line up in the holes and all I had was brute strength to line up the axle and get it back in. Otherwise the rest was cake.