what spring compressor?

Loadedagain · Mar 24, 2008

fox chassis with springs in stock location. h&r race spec (1200lbs if i remember correctly) springs. appear to be rather difficult to compress. have tried jacking control arm with springs in place, but they slip on isolators. what spring compressor will fit these internally? please help before i tear my face or a hand off!

allballsmustang · Mar 24, 2008

i just did similar springs in my car and i used an external compressor...rented it from a local auto parts store for free if your return it within 24 hours... hope that may help you

jim

Fett · Mar 24, 2008

Personally I hate internal compressors, I find they are a PITA to get in and out. They make some external ones that should work for you.

Also, instead of using the jack to raise the arm, try raising the car, putting a solid support (jack stand) under the arm, and lowering the car SLOWLY with the floor jack. That is how I change springs....granted that is with a tri-pod and a lift, but it works fine even with stock (taller) springs.

Shakerhood · Mar 24, 2008

Get the OTC Compressor.

Fast63 · Mar 25, 2008

OR, you can do what I did, and I think what the factory does.....

There should be a hole in the control arm right in front of the spring, if you are looking at the same angle as your picture. Stick a piece of SOLID cylindrical metal, like a stake, in the hole so it prevents the spring from coming out of the control arm. Use the "lower the car with the control arm supported" method and BE CAREFUL. It worked out fine for me though, just don't be careless and have a freak accident. If you want piece of mind, strap the spring to the frame or somewhere else with something. If it pops out, at least it won't hit you in the face and kill you.

stang&2Birds · Mar 25, 2008

The best thing to use is the proper "Ford" tool as called out by the Factory Service manual. That's the OTC tool:

View attachment 325202

More & bigger pics: http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/tmp/OTC-spring-tool/

Although note that you must install the springs with the car lying on it's side.
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/tmp/OTC-spring-tool/original/DSCN1969.html
Yea, I'm too lazy to rotate the picture.

Also, I found that it was easiest to use the spring compressor AND the "MFE" method of dropping the FCA. But, I like using 2 screw jacks to align the FCA arms with the k-frame. I first fully compress the spring, and then I use the screw jacks to set and align the FCA properly with the k-frame. Let the tools do the work!

Bigger Pic: http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/tmp/OTC-spring-tool/original/DSCN1967.html

Also, don't forget to properly index the spring - spring tail between the two alignment holes!
View attachment 325205
Bigger Pic: http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/tmp/OTC-spring-tool/original/DSCN1964.html

NKau · Mar 25, 2008

I compressed mine outside of the car, put heavy cable/clamps in three spots to hold the spring in a compressed state, slid them in (one side at a time) jacked the control arm up until it was tight, then undid the clamps. Probably not remotely safe, but it sure was easy

SuperStang83 · Mar 25, 2008

External ones make it simple and you can rent them from a local parts store.

Loadedagain · Mar 25, 2008

Shakerhood said:
Get the OTC Compressor.

you know i have to trust a martini drinking dog! ... and you also mr 2birdstang... i already own 2 external clamps and they don't appear to like the idea of holding onto these springs. 1200lbs, remember? ... i'm going to buck up the $235 and buy an otc compressor. will let you know how this works out.

thanks.

iwashmycar · Mar 25, 2008

i ended up finding an internal one at Pep Boys that i rented which fit through the A-arm hole, so i could get it out.... it was a little tough getting it out though.

Shakerhood · Mar 25, 2008

Loadedagain said:
you know i have to trust a martini drinking dog! ... and you also mr 2birdstang... i already own 2 external clamps and they don't appear to like the idea of holding onto these springs. 1200lbs, remember? ... i'm going to buck up the $235 and buy an otc compressor. will let you know how this works out.

thanks.

Yeah I shelled out the Bucks for mine too, but it was worth every penny!

what spring compressor?

Loadedagain

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allballsmustang

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Fett

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Shakerhood

Fast63

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stang&2Birds

NKau

SuperStang83

Loadedagain

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iwashmycar

Shakerhood

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