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

stock front springs need help please!

  • Thread starter Thread starter pissedoff92
  • Start date Start date Aug 14, 2011

pissedoff92

Member
Aug 14, 2011
288
7
18
western new york
Aug 14, 2011
#1
  • Aug 14, 2011
  • #1
okay guys im new here but ive done a ton of thread searching and cant find anything about oem springs....they are a PITA. ive got the old springs out because they were both broken. now im trying to get the new ones in...i didnt want to lower the car so i bought oem ones. i have the new struts in and the tie rod connected, i dropped the control arm bolts out and put the new spring in. but when i jack it up the control arm wants to push out and turn so the spring can fly out, ive tried renting 3 spring compressors and none would work.....im ready to burn the car....im so frustrated its not even funny. someone please help. thanks
 

stang&2Birds

Founding Member
May 4, 2000
2,091
5
58
New England. :-) CT/MA
Aug 15, 2011
#2
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #2
Grumble, grumble, I can't stand it when ****** ***** don't know the difference between text, informal, semi-formal grammar and style. So, in general, if people are too *****ing lazy or **** to use caps and periods, then Why The F**** should *I TAKE MY TIME* to respond?

But, I have a thing about the stock springs and there's a ton of BS/incorrect info/advice around.

So....

1) You can not buy new GT springs! You can only get the 4 cyl, taller and softer springs new.

2) If you like playing the lottery, then try getting STOCK GT springs! IMHO, you have a better chance at winning LOTTO if you don't know where to buy them.

3) Stock GT or 4 cyl springs are a HUGE MASSIVE PITA to put on a Fox Stang - PERIOD! Anyone that says otherwise has their head up their *ss. Or, they have a lift.

4) From what I've seen, even (just) dropping the FCA isn't a SAFE or SURE way of getting STOCK springs in.

5) F***** trying to get the tall 4 cyl springs in. I gave up and said it wasn't worth the effort to see the effect.

6) If you want to be sure to get STOCK GT springs, then IMHO, you have ONE choice:
Performance Parts Inc.
If you don't like their prices then too ****** bad! Go find stock GT springs somewhere else.

7)To put in stock springs, you really need the OTC 7045B spring compressor tool.
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/tmp/OTC-spring-tool/

8) Do not be a ***** ****** and use hose clamps to compress the spring.


Last, TECH FORUMS are not texting forums. Use caps, periods, paragraphs, spell check, etc.
 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
3,133
18
108
Chicagoland
Aug 15, 2011
#3
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #3
stang&2Birds said:
Grumble, grumble, I can't stand it when ****** ***** don't know the difference between text, informal, semi-formal grammar and style. So, in general, if people are too *****ing lazy or **** to use caps and periods, then Why The F**** should *I TAKE MY TIME* to respond?

But, I have a thing about the stock springs and there's a ton of BS/incorrect info/advice around.

So....

1) You can not buy new GT springs! You can only get the 4 cyl, taller and softer springs new.

2) If you like playing the lottery, then try getting STOCK GT springs! IMHO, you have a better chance at winning LOTTO if you don't know where to buy them.

3) Stock GT or 4 cyl springs are a HUGE MASSIVE PITA to put on a Fox Stang - PERIOD! Anyone that says otherwise has their head up their *ss. Or, they have a lift.

4) From what I've seen, even (just) dropping the FCA isn't a SAFE or SURE way of getting STOCK springs in.

5) F***** trying to get the tall 4 cyl springs in. I gave up and said it wasn't worth the effort to see the effect.

6) If you want to be sure to get STOCK GT springs, then IMHO, you have ONE choice:
Performance Parts Inc.
If you don't like their prices then too ****** bad! Go find stock GT springs somewhere else.

7)To put in stock springs, you really need the OTC 7045B spring compressor tool.
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/tmp/OTC-spring-tool/

8) Do not be a ***** ****** and use hose clamps to compress the spring.


Last, TECH FORUMS are not texting forums. Use caps, periods, paragraphs, spell check, etc.
Click to expand...



You get a little sand in your vagina today? Good lord, take a Xanax, or ten and wash it down with a swig of tequila, so you're not such an uptight douche. It's a forum, not a corporate memo.
 

pissedoff92

Member
Aug 14, 2011
288
7
18
western new york
Aug 15, 2011
#4
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #4
Well thanks for the welcome. Is this better? Im sorry that when I posted I was frustrated and pissed off because i cant get a straight answer from anyone or figure out how to install my springs. I would also like to know if there is no such thing as stock GT springs then what the **** kind of spring did autozone sell me because it sure as **** fits the description of a stock gt spring. and by the way you come across as a real a**hole....
 

The_Dude

Member
Aug 17, 2004
137
4
19
Western Oregon
Aug 15, 2011
#5
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #5
pissedoff92 said:
and by the way you come across as a real a**hole....
Click to expand...
 

wythors

Get off my lawn!!!
Founding Member
May 17, 2000
2,277
35
69
C Addle
Aug 15, 2011
#6
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #6
pissedoff92 said:
Well thanks for the welcome. Is this better? Im sorry that when I posted I was frustrated and pissed off because i cant get a straight answer from anyone or figure out how to install my springs. I would also like to know if there is no such thing as stock GT springs then what the **** kind of spring did autozone sell me because it sure as **** fits the description of a stock gt spring. and by the way you come across as a real a**hole....
Click to expand...

While I generally agree that forum spelling and grammar suck, I have to give you a great big "Like" for your response.

Oh, and welcome to the forum. It's not normally quite that snarky around here.
 

rdharper02

like kicking myself in the junk
10 Year Member
May 8, 2006
703
237
84
Aug 15, 2011
#7
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #7
Its a PITA, but I have installed the fronts using a rented (internal) spring compressor from O'Reilys. The PITA is ensuring that it is rotated (on the spring) so that you can remove it when the spring is released. Let me back up, I replaced mine with the two control arm bolts intact. Every other component, minus the ball joint, was detached. Compress the spring and place a jack under the control arm, jacking it up until it rests in both perches. Honestly, there is probably an easier way, but this one will work.

Welcome to the forum where everyone is helpful in some way or another. Still trying to figure out how on a few of them, but you will easily pick up on those aces in the forums. Good luck.
 

90mustangGT

I felt sorry for girls because
Founding Member
Jan 15, 2002
2,773
17
89
Dallas, GA
Aug 15, 2011
#8
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #8
Front springs on a mustang suck. I hate tension.... it scares the crap out of me. 13 years working in shops and not much scares me, except a unstable loaded spring.

Why did I get coil overs? Because I didn't want to deal with the Moroso Drag springs, which I still have.


Yeah, Stang and 2 birds is an *******, but he's helpful isn't he? I'm an ******* too but not quite as helpful? And you're a pissed off *******. Got that, *******? Oh, and wythors, you're a mother****er.
 

bigvino

Member
Mar 22, 2010
259
1
19
Corpus Christi, TEXAS
Aug 15, 2011
#9
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #9
This is what I did, I have changed my front springs several times. Get a spring compressor and compress the springs as much as you can to fit into the space. Then, purchase some super heavy duty zip ties from your local home depot and strap about 10 zip ties around the spring. Remove the compressor and place into your car and jack up the control arms and remove the zip ties! This method is by far the easiest way to install springs... However be very very careful when you decompress the springs .. good luck
 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
3,133
18
108
Chicagoland
Aug 15, 2011
#10
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #10
bigvino said:
This is what I did, I have changed my front springs several times. Get a spring compressor and compress the springs as much as you can to fit into the space. Then, purchase some super heavy duty zip ties from your local home depot and strap about 10 zip ties around the spring. Remove the compressor and place into your car and jack up the control arms and remove the zip ties! This method is by far the easiest way to install springs... However be very very careful when you decompress the springs .. good luck
Click to expand...

This is a great way to get yourself killed, or at the least seriously injured if the zip ties break.
 

bigvino

Member
Mar 22, 2010
259
1
19
Corpus Christi, TEXAS
Aug 15, 2011
#11
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #11
Of course you will have to be careful. Make sure you get the heavy duty 48 inch zip ties.
 

Shakerhood

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 28, 2004
3,356
208
114
Ohio
Aug 16, 2011
#12
  • Aug 16, 2011
  • #12
The OTC Spring Compressor is by far the safest way.
 
Reactions: Canyonred86

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Aug 16, 2011
#13
  • Aug 16, 2011
  • #13
Shaker's got some good advice there.

FWIW, GT vert springs can be done with an internal compressor. A large shim under the head of the 'bolt' was needed so that the far end of the bolt would not hit the frame as the spring was compressed.
 
G

Green 94 5.0

Founding Member
Mar 25, 2002
2,601
12
79
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Aug 16, 2011
#14
  • Aug 16, 2011
  • #14
Welcome to the forum. I never had much of a problem with the front springs on my SN95. Burt then again, I never tried putting the stock springs back in either. Neither the Eibach pro kit or sport lines gave me any issue going back in. I can however see how you are having an issue if the bolts that hold the control arm to the k-member are out. As others have mentioned, put those back in and disconnect everything else so the control arm is hanging. Put a floor jack under the a-arm and put the compressed (NOT WITH ZIP TIES) spring into place. Jack up the a-arm slowly until you can get the other hardware in. That is what has always worked for me.

On a side note, stang&2Birds can be an ******* at times, but that bastard has more useful information to share than nearly anyone here, so you will have to cut him a bit of slack. He may have his period this week. Punctuation and grammar do help though. Not a necessity, but it definitely makes a thread easier to read, hence making it easier to help.
 

TenorPlayinGuy

Founding Member
Aug 3, 2001
1,208
0
36
Canyon Country, Ca
Aug 16, 2011
#15
  • Aug 16, 2011
  • #15
yes, make sure your lining up the bottom of the spring with the notch on this LCA.

BTW... are you using any insulators?
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,233
17,919
224
Massachusetts
Aug 16, 2011
#16
  • Aug 16, 2011
  • #16
Shakerhood said:
The OTC Spring Compressor is by far the safest way.
Click to expand...

It's the best way, but unless you know someone, it's expensive.

The stock springs are tall, so they need to be compressed if you install using the method of unbolting the spindle rather than the control arm. Unbolting the control arm has never worked for me, and always been a huge PITA and frankly scared me more than unbolting the spindle.

When i installed my Mach 1 springs in my Fox, i used the metal worm-screw clamp method. Dangerous I know, but it was the only way that worked, and worked effectively i might add. I used 10-15 worm clamps and pretty much just went around and compressed a coil down until i could fit the spring in. Once in, i jacked up the control arm, bolted the spindle up and then snipped the clamps off.

Again, dangerous I know...but it worked surprisingly well.
 

pissedoff92

Member
Aug 14, 2011
288
7
18
western new york
Aug 16, 2011
#17
  • Aug 16, 2011
  • #17
Okay guys I have great news, we got one spring installed. What I did was removed the control arm on the drivers side, i live in NY so 18 years of rust you can imagine how that went. I then went to advance auto and re- rented the hook style internal spring compressor. This time i compressed the spring to the control arm the used a floor jack and a bottle jack to get it in place.....still it was a pain. But we went on to the passenger side and its a no go. For two hours we fought and there is no way im getting those control arm bolts out. I got lucky enough to get one out on the other side and used a punch to hammer out the other. On this side no such luck....so im gonna leave the bolts loose, drop the tie rod end and try to compress the spring to the LCA enough to stuff it into the pocket up top. if that wont work ill have to buy a ****load of washers so that i can compress the spring by itself without the threaded rod sticking up out of the spring.......AND YES I am using isolators...is that bad?
 
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