Stock spring install gone bad...

[HoodStrype]

Has anyone put stock springs back into there fox body?

I'm changing my springs to fit larger wheels... stock ones are cut just as I suspected. I thought at first they were 4 banger springs.

The front is a PITA! I have not found an inside or outside spring compressor that will work. I've tried them all except for the Ford Compressor which is $300!

I know that lowering springs will fit easily without compression. These stock springs are never gonna get in there w/o being compressed. I've heard of trying the A arm at the back and jacking them into place. I've also heard of a "Clam" style compressor that supposedly will work from Harbor Frieght. Any tried this?
Thanks! Maybe my car won't be on jack stands for too much longer!

[Jeff Chambers]

Leave the strut connected and remove the two a-arm pivot bolts. Use a floor jack to jack the arm back up in place. This works well....at least for me. I always use a chain to secure the spring during the install though, just in case it decides to try and jump out.

[fiveohpatrol]

Those stock a-arms bolts are TIGHT though, if you've never had them out. I've used the clamshell style on mine with the very tall morosso drag springs, and it worked amazingly well. I highly suggest trying it out.

[USMC302]

Don't laugh but I grinded grooves into a C-Clamp to fit the springs, and compressed them with the c clamp. Not the safest in the world, but it worked for me.

[Chris_H]

Leave the strut connected and remove the two a-arm pivot bolts. Use a floor jack to jack the arm back up in place. This works well....at least for me. I always use a chain to secure the spring during the install though, just in case it decides to try and jump out.

That's the best way I have found to do it too. I was lucky enough to have access to a lift so we were able to raise and lower the car rather than raise and lower the jack. Definitely chain the springs down though, they are no joke if/when they shoot out! :eek:

[HoodStrype]

Whew! That's a BEAR! Got one side done last weekend before it got too cold and rainy. Couldn't find a Clam Style compressor so I followed Mr. Chamber's advice!