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Topic: Setting up the springs. (Read 1728 times) previous topic - next topic

Setting up the springs.

I bought a spring compressor, but with this car (1986 cougar, 5.0) I have to compress them with an arch and let the arm lay on the ground, them pry it into it's well. On one of them I missed the mark (covering one hole but not the next) by about an inch. In other words, I didn't cover the first hole I missed it by about an inch. Does this cause a little more pressure on one side than the other, will driving it work it into position, and if not, do I need to correct it because it is that important?  Thanks!

Setting up the springs.

Reply #1 –
Yep, you'll need to align it properly..
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Setting up the springs.

Reply #2 –
Makes me wonder if you do not have a long enough spring compressor.  Can you post up a picture of the one you have?

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Setting up the springs.

Reply #3 –
Use an internal style spring compressor. You'll also need a good floor jack. Once the spring and compressor are in and seated, you'll need to raise the C/A a little to be able to take out the internal screw, then slide the plate part as you let the jack back down a little. Don't let it down all the way until you have the strut and spindle properly bolted down. A loaded spring can shoot out and do mondo damage before you can blink. I have seen the aftermath of this....kid has a round depression in his forehead from it.

I went with '97 Stang GT springs this last time I had mine apart, I only had to pry them up just a bit and they seated...not enough pressure to kick back out on me. If you're not sure, you can take a solid metal bar about an inch or so in diameter, and slide it down through the strut tower and through the spring, and on through the control arm to have a safe method of dealing with stuff while the spindle is off. Of course, it'd be best to have a helper slide it down in there as you take the strut out, then you can let the jack down and take some load off of the spring. It's how i do it, and I haven't yet had one let go, but if it does, at least it will be contained and I won't be hurt, just scared shiznitless, lol.

PS, a broom handle probably wouldn't cut it, lol.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Setting up the springs.

Reply #4 –
All done. I really didn't have much trouble at all. The spring compressor is as you described, the package it came in warned not to over compress, that's why I pressed it in the rest of the way with a metal bar like I did. Now I'm still working on getting the oil pan off....Geez, I might as well pull the engine out. Front end is almost done, just waiting for a couple of tie rod ends and engine mounts. Thanks, for your time.
Frank

Setting up the springs.

Reply #5 –
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;396212
Use an internal style spring compressor. You'll also need a good floor jack. Once the spring and compressor are in and seated, you'll need to raise the C/A a little to be able to take out the internal screw, then slide the plate part as you let the jack back down a little. Don't let it down all the way until you have the strut and spindle properly bolted down. A loaded spring can shoot out and do mondo damage before you can blink. I have seen the aftermath of this....kid has a round depression in his forehead from it.

I went with '97 Stang GT springs this last time I had mine apart, I only had to pry them up just a bit and they seated...not enough pressure to kick back out on me. If you're not sure, you can take a solid metal bar about an inch or so in diameter, and slide it down through the strut tower and through the spring, and on through the control arm to have a safe method of dealing with stuff while the spindle is off. Of course, it'd be best to have a helper slide it down in there as you take the strut out, then you can let the jack down and take some load off of the spring. It's how i do it, and I haven't yet had one let go, but if it does, at least it will be contained and I won't be hurt, just scared shiznitless, lol.

PS, a broom handle probably wouldn't cut it, lol.

 
What internal spring compressor are you referring to?  I cannot seem to find any that will fit this car.  Do you have a part number or picture of what type you used?

Thanks! Tim

Setting up the springs.

Reply #7 –
Here is what we are talking about:

 

You can typically rent one at AutoZone or OReilly's.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Setting up the springs.

Reply #8 –
Yep...I rented one from Oreilly's. It's a little hassle to get it out once the spring is in place, but it's worth it.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Setting up the springs.

Reply #9 –
Actually, I always take it apart when it's still in the spring. I use a socket with an extension, slip it through the spring and dismantle. The pieces are a lot easier to take out and it's easy to put back together afterwards.

Setting up the springs.

Reply #10 –
:brick:I had problem trying to fit through hole in bottom of control arm when I tried the ones from the part stores.  So you say assemble inside the spring I want to remove from the car?  It's been awhile since I tried it last, I don't know why I didn't try that or if I did:brick:

Setting up the springs.

Reply #11 –
Leave in when removing, disassemble when on your bench. I do the same when it's on the car, but it's VERY dangerous if you don't know what your doing.