Stock spring install gone bad...

HoodStrype · 11-28-2005, 11:11 AM

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 · 11-28-2005, 12:03 PM

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 · 11-29-2005, 09:32 PM

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 · 12-01-2005, 12:02 PM

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 · 12-05-2005, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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!

HoodStrype · 12-09-2005, 02:50 PM

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!

11-28-2005, 11:11 AM	#1
HoodStrype Rearview Mirror Haze Join Date: May 1999 Location: Huntsville, Alabama...a.k.a. "HuntsVegas" Posts: 387	Stock spring install gone bad... 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! __________________ 93 lx Notch 01 GT ...the epitome of Murphy's Law

11-28-2005, 12:03 PM	#2
Jeff Chambers Moderator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Milan, OH Posts: 2,699	Re: Stock spring install gone bad... 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. __________________ Jeff Chambers 1990 Mustang GT 10.032 Seconds / 137.5 MPH 14-time Street Warrior World Record Setter CRT Performance 2001 Tropic Green Mustang GT - 12.181 / 113.2 MPH 2002 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 7.3l Power Stroke - 17.41@77.2 "There's nothing boring about a small block automatic shifting gears at 9400 rpm!"

11-29-2005, 09:32 PM	#3
fiveohpatrol I'd rather be basketweaving Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,551	Re: Stock spring install gone bad... 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. __________________ NMRA O/C 9516 NA pumpgas stickshift 347 10.65@125.6, 6.73@100, 1.41 60ft

12-01-2005, 12:02 PM	#4
USMC302 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Gallatin, Tn Posts: 1,326	Re: Stock spring install gone bad... 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. __________________

12-09-2005, 02:50 PM	#6
HoodStrype Rearview Mirror Haze Join Date: May 1999 Location: Huntsville, Alabama...a.k.a. "HuntsVegas" Posts: 387	Re: Stock spring install gone bad... 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! __________________ 93 lx Notch 01 GT ...the epitome of Murphy's Law

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