Tokico D-Specs strut installation

[fartingchicken]

I looked at this installation article. It looks like I need to take the car in because of the need to compress the springs? I'm just replacing the struts, not the springs, but to dismantle it they used a spring compressor. The rear shocks weren't too hard to put in. http://www.mustangmonthly.com/howto/mump_0704_performance_springs_shocks/photo_18.html

 

[Casey4s]

I looked at this installation article. It looks like I need to take the car in because of the need to compress the springs? I'm just replacing the struts, not the springs, but to dismantle it they used a spring compressor. The rear shocks weren't too hard to put in. http://www.mustangmonthly.com/howto/mump_0704_performance_springs_shocks/photo_18.html

You do not need that piece of equipment and most people and small shops don't have one like that either, all you need is one like this.

View attachment 356805
EDIT: You would have one compressor on either side of the spring, NOT like the small picture...

The one I have is not as nice as this one, I got mine from Harbor Freight for cheap. I have had my spring towers apart three times with these compressors and no problems.


BUT ! Working with the compressed springs can be dangerous, if you are uncomfortable with attempting this, then you should just have it done for you.

Good luck with the D Specs, that is what I am considering for myself, let me know how they work out for you.

 

[fartingchicken]

I appreciate all the help you folks have given.

 

[DarkFireGT]

Here's a write-up TacoBill did on springs. Should get you through that part of the installation easily

http://www.mustangforums.com/m_3070963/tm.htm

 

[SpartaPerformance]

UM...if you've never done a MacPherson type strut/shock before DO NOT!!! use those little spring clamps , if you put them on wrong or compress the spring unevenly you'll take your head off. Take the whole unit out of the car and take it someplace to swap the struts out of the assembly.

 

[kooldawg6]

If you're unsure or hesitant of doing it yourself, it is much better to pay somebody to do it for you rather than pay the hospital to fix you back up! I've done the older style twice, but yet have done the MacPherson style. I feel confident I could.
The rear is easy as you just need to jack up the rear axle to compress the springs, remove the nuts and SLOWLY let the jack down and the springs will just fallout. Having jack stands to have the axle rest on just below the point of spring fallout is a plus. The front is a different animal!

 

[fartingchicken]

This is a really neat site that talks about suspension:
http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles/suspension_bible.html

 

[garbledwords]

most auto parts stores will loan you the spring compressors.

 

[bigcat]

follow the links on my sig for some good write ups on the situation. very easy swap. if you dont want to do the spring swap, at least remove the strut assembly and take it to the mechanic. they will swap it for cheap. most of the labor cost is in the R&I of the strut. the spring swap only takes a few minutes after the strut is out of the car.

 

[jojomustang]

I just installed some D-Specs last weekend along with some MM C/C plates and some Eibach Pro-kit springs. The front springs were pretty easy with a spring compressor I rented from Autozone, but we just took our time and did a little on each side until they were compressed enough.

One problem I have now is that the struts extend too far above the strut tower. I can't ge the hood to latch with out the top of the strut touching the hood. I assembled the spacers as recommended in the instructions (one tapered below with one tapered and both the short and tall spacers on top), but I think I may have to disassemble the front again to move one spacer below the CC plate. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[Emay]

The take your head off statement is a little over kill considering these springs are not under nearly enough pressure to do significant damage. This is the most common modification people come to me with in assistance and everytime they just about crap themselves about how easy it is and how safe it can be done with minimal effort and "without" a spring compressor. It's a 30 minute job, nothing more..

Before anyone gets all fired up about the spring shooting out and hurting you. This video shows it's impossible for that to happen. Too much of the spring is inside the strut tower for it to angle out in any way. Also, it's over the strut assembly until you release it entirely from the tower at which point there is no pressure and the 4 threaded studs at on the top of the assembly are still in their holes on the strut tower. Here you go:

http://www.v8tvshow.com/forum/index.php?topic=86.msg194#msg194

 

[jojomustang]

Can anyone out there confirm the strut spacer configuration they used installing the Tokico D-specs with the Eibach Pro-kit springs?