compressing springs

[CarGuy]

Hey All,
I finally got my hands on some Eibach Sportlines - but I can't seem to find a spring compressor like the one shown in the Haynes manual. I have access to the common type compressor with hooks - however the hooks won't fit thru the front coils. The one in the manual looks like it uses disks that can easily fit - but I can't locate a similar one at the Autopart places or from an internet search. Has anyone installed springs on their Mustang and can lend me a hand? Maybe I have the wrong idea how to do this one

BTW - I hope everyone had a great time at the reunion. I wish I could have been there.

Thanks

[Kendal Coker]

You can rent or buy one form Auto Zone that will work fine. You have to take the top off and put it in the spring with the short side in. Put the spring in the bucket then run the rod up through the bottom. Leave the bottom mount on but it will not be in the spring it will be against the bottom of the spring bucket. Tighten it up and the spring should pull in at the top if you have the short side in on the top mount. Lift the lower control arm with a jack and the spring should fit in the top bucket. Instal the strut and back off of the bolt on the bottom. Be carefull and do not get in front of the spring while you have it compressed, anything could happen or break. After you back the bolt completely out fish the top of the compressor out of the bottom hole in the lower control arm.

[CarGuy]

Originally posted by Kendal Coker
After you back the bolt completely out fish the top of the compressor out of the bottom hole in the lower control arm.

I'm still troubled - I don't think the hooks can fit thru the lower bucket hole either.

[Kendal Coker]

Just the top part has to fit through, I just put some in about a month ago. I have done it many times on SVO's and on gt's. If you are not comfortable with using a spring compressor you might get suspension place to put them in for you.

[Eyelawdoc]

The top part inserts from the side of the spring. The bolt part goes in thur the hole in the bottom of the bucket and screws into the top part that is already inside the spring.

[CarGuy]

Thanks guys for the help!! I must be misunderstanding your procedures or you'll have different compressors than what I have. The top part of the compressor that I have and autozone has is too large to fit thru the bottom bucket or spring side. I called Eibach and asked their tech department about the installation. The guy there said a spring compressor isn't necessary to install sportlines on mustangs. He said the springs will come in and out (uncompressed) by using a floor jack to lower the control arm. I'll probably go ahead and try that.

I really appreciate the help and responses.

[8T6 SVO]

Be Careful!

Make sure you tie off your springs before you attempt to just let them fly! Secure them in their compressed position and chain or strap the to the car frame.

8T6

[GAboySVO]

Before you kill or injure someone with a bouncing spring, you need what they call an "internal" style spring compressor. The Eibach might go in without compression, but the originals will need to be compressed to be removed.

Go to a tool rental place, they will have and internal spring compressor. Save your self a lot of trouble and headache as well. Sure would hate to see a spring stuck in the side of the car.

Here's a link to a picture of one:

http://www.toolsource.com/ost1/product.asp?sourceid=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2Fsearch%253fhl%3Den%2526ie%3Dutf%2D8%2526oe%3Dutf%2D8%2526q%3Dspring%2Bcompressor&dept%5Fid=500&pf%5Fid=73489&mscssid=BW3HDLLEXVS92GMU00J74FSAN95T6VA2

[Eyelawdoc]

When attempting to fit the top part of the internal spring compressor thuough the side of the spring, the lower control arm should be fully extended in the downward position (wheel and tire hanging in the air with the strut still in place) and the weight of the front end securely resting on jack stands placed underneath the front cross member. That should extend the stock spring enough that you can then fit the top portion of the internal spring compressor inside the spring from the side.

[85svo1C]

not sportlines but still eibach's

When I put the eibach pro kit spings in my early 85 I was worried about this too but just as the tech support guys said, I had no problems with putting the new springs in. The old ones took a little persuasion but not too bad. Be sure and tie the spring with a good stiff rope or whatever to the strut or somewhere so it won't jump out and kill you when you let down the control arm. On a 93 gt we had to get really rough with the stock spring to get it out but the SVO was easy it came out without a hitch.

Definitely get a helper if you've never done it before. I had to use an impact whench and penetration oil to get the strut bolts off the spindle (swapped to new Koni's at the same time).

[NY eric]

let me know

I just noticed my springs were cut. I guess they were the stock spring and the ends are melted. I will be changing them out for the motorsport Cs i have laying arround. I assume that they will fall out when it comes time but let me know how you make out. This is one of my winter projects allong with some new poly.

[Majestic]

Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've never used a compressor or a tie off strap when replacing coils on an SVO. I've done this maybe 6 times and they always just drop out. I would certainly recommend NOT completely removing the nut on the ball joint until you've separated the joint from the arm with a pickle fork. This gives you an extra inch or two of play which might account for my luck?

Chris

[Eyelawdoc]

Just my preference, but I'd rather separate the spindle from the strut than take it apart at the ball joint/spindle junction. Pickle forks tend to tear up the ball joint boots. For that reason, I don't use pickle forks when disassembling front suspension components.

[CarGuy]

Thanks for all the helpful replys. I'll go ahead and see if the compressor top fits thru the coils when the car is on stands. If it works out - it'll be that much easier. If the compressor doesn't work - I'll strap them bad-boys up and lower the control arms. Thanks again.

[CarGuy]

Just wanted to update this post. I installed the springs today - man, it was a lot of work. The spring compressor still proved to be more trouble than it was worth. With the use of a safety chain, I just lower the control arms and pried them out. The sportlines went in with ease - I was very happy with that. The backs were a little tough to pry out - but it was less to take apart. I took a quick picture just after I finished. I'm extremely happy with the way it turned out - Bud is the man for pushing the Sportlines for SVOs. Out on the road - the ride is still smooth but a lot tighter.

The picture is a before and after.

NO MO 4X4 SVO

Quick Question - Sense I've lowered the car, is it necessary to get it realigned? Thanks again for help.