Suspension Remove Spring Isolators Without Fully Removing Springs?

Bill Cool

Previously 87MustangGT

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Jan 2, 2014

#1

• Jan 2, 2014

• #1

Part of the Prothane bushing kit I got of course includes F/R coil spring isolators. In doing research looking for install tips, it seems like a large number of folks swapping springs are removing the isolators without any detrimental NVH effects; and getting a mild drop from it. If mine are shot anyway, I'm thinking why not try running w/o for a bit, before replacing them.

On that note, I'm wondering if it's possible to just use a spring compressor to pinch the springs enough to remove the isolators, without disconnecting control arms, etc. Thoughts?

 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard

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Nov 29, 1999

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Jan 2, 2014

#2

• Jan 2, 2014

• #2

bit dangerous, but I've done it that way in the past

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

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Jan 2, 2014

#3

• Jan 2, 2014

• #3

The front isolators wrap on the spring. Might be tough to get those off without removing the spring.


For the rears...unbolt the shock and quad shock and the rear drops far enough away for the spring to just fall out.

I run no isolators on my front Mach 1 springs.

 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician

Aug 8, 2003

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NJ

Jan 3, 2014

#4

• Jan 3, 2014

• #4

I'm having trouble understanding the point of what you are trying to accomplish.

Is it for the "mild" drop? If so, this is not worth the trouble or risk. If they are old and worn out they are probably damn near flat anyway, so mild, might literally mean almost nothing.

I've run with and without them, i would not run without them again.

If you are going to replace them, then do it all at once, if not, just leave them in there.

 

Reactions: 88LX5.Oh

Bill Cool

Previously 87MustangGT

Founding Member

Nov 18, 1999

1,268

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39

Seymour, CT

Jan 3, 2014

#5

• Jan 3, 2014

• #5

Originally, I was going to replace them, simply because I got new ones in the kit. If I'm not getting squeaks, I probably won't spend the 6+ hrs to pull the springs until such time that I actually decide to get lowering springs.

 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician

Aug 27, 2012

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Jan 3, 2014

#6

• Jan 3, 2014

• #6

We're talking about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch difference. I'd leave them in.

 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician

Aug 8, 2003

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NJ

Jan 3, 2014

#7

• Jan 3, 2014

• #7

87MustangGT said:

Originally, I was going to replace them, simply because I got new ones in the kit. If I'm not getting squeaks, I probably won't spend the 6+ hrs to pull the springs until such time that I actually decide to get lowering springs.

Click to expand...

So essentially you were going to do this as a method of lowering the car until you were going to get lowering springs?
Not a good idea. Wait and do it all at once.

 

Bill Cool

Previously 87MustangGT

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Nov 18, 1999

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Jan 6, 2014

#8

• Jan 6, 2014

• #8

2000xp8 said:

So essentially you were going to do this as a method of lowering the car until you were going to get lowering springs?
Not a good idea. Wait and do it all at once.

Click to expand...

No, I'm not planning to get lowering springs at any point in even the remotely foreseeable future; if I was, I would just wait until that time.