Spring install help - Need pointers -

[Igofaster13]

I am trying to put in ebaich springs on my 88, I got stuck not having the right spring compressor... Already tried 3 different auto parts store compressors, a internal claw style that is too big to get out, a coil spring compressor with fork (too big again), and a strut spring compressor... all failed putting the spring in. I pulled the strut bolts and the sway bar link, and dropped the stock spring out with a jack. Any pointers to get the fronts done? I know there is a special $250 otc ford tool I am not going to buy...

 

[Sicarius428]

You should be able to pop the fronts in without a spring compressor and use a floor jack under the a arm to compress the spring enough to get the strut on. Maybe somebody else can add an idea but that is how we did my friends car. No compressor used at all.
Kevin

 

[HISSIN50]

You can do the MFE method or use an internal compressor with a shim under the head of the compression stud. I've done both and the former is easier. You must have a halfway decent jack, an awareness of safety, and common sense however (that's sincerely not directed at anyone specifically. I get PM's from people who cant figure it out. These people are often searchers who don't even post on threads).

 

[Igofaster13]

The springs I got are the Pro-kit, which are a little stiff and tall. I tried basically the mfe method with no luck really.... also had it on with the spring compressor but could not get the compressor out... Shimming the tool sounds interesting though..... Can you go into more detail about the shim?

 

[HISSIN50]

I used a piece of industrial plumbing pipe as the shim - I just looked at my (s)crap pile for what would work. If you had 10000 washers, you could use those instead. I did this because the threaded rod on the compressor was hitting the frame before the spring would compress far enough.

If you simply cant get the butterflies out (I had the same issue), I unbolted them from the compressor and took them apart. Once apart, you can wiggle them out of the coils. Of course, the spring needs to be completely secure and great care should be taken so one's fingers dont get injured.

 

[wildstang90]

You can do it with the 40$ external spring compressers from auto zone. I have done it 3 or 4 times now. Its all about putting the clamps in the right spot. Clamp the springs down put them in the car use a jack to keep them in place under the A arm. Then I had to move the spring around some to get them in the right spot by clamp them down then turn the spring loosen them move the clamps and do it all over again till I got the springs in the right place its a pain in the ass but it works. Lowering springs you dont need a clamp there easy.

 

[Darkwriter77]

What about the hose-clamp method? Use a spring compressor to squash the spring down out of the vehicle, apply a bunch of hose clamps to the spring to hold it in place, CAREFULLY remove the spring compressor, lay the spring in position, jack the LCA back up into position, bolt the strut back onto the steering knuckle to secure it, and then start cutting the hose clamps to relieve the tension on the spring so it expands back out.

Of course, to me that trick is a waste of perfectly good hose clamps, and if you're not careful about how you handle a compressed spring, it could be very dangerous. But if all else fails, it's another method you might consider...

 

[Igofaster13]

Ok, Thanks for all the help... I was being stupid and not following directions.... Instead of taking the two LCA to K-member bolts/nuts out, I had the two strut bolts removed trying to wedge the spring in. Went right in after I bolted the strut bolts up and removed the LCA to K-member bolts... My large 3 ton craftsman jack didn't even flinch.