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Author
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Topic: Coil Spring Removal
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mvendl
Gearhead Posts: 188
From: Lowell, IN, USA
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 05-12-2003 02:37 PM
 
I'm getting ready to remove the front suspension from my '66 resto. Is there anything special (ie, gotcha's) that I need to know about removing the coil springs? I figure that I need to remove all tension by jacking the car up and letting the spring expand fully... is that it? I have all of the proper tools and am itching to get everything taken apart..thanks, --mark
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Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 22791
From: Reno Nv M&M #1240
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 05-12-2003 02:55 PM
Mark dont do this job without a GOOD coil spring compressor.------------------
SCOOP
oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs 2.26 60'S
14.9 @ 90.86MPH 65 coupe,351w,C4,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,8"3.40 TracLoc,Cragar SS,Black Suede. https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Fastymz.html
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streetstang67
Gearhead Posts: 397
From: SC, USA
Registered: Nov 2002
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posted 05-12-2003 04:23 PM
A way to get a "head start" on the springs is to put the compressor on while the spring is already a little compressed by the weight of the car. then jack up the front end, and you already got the spring compressed a little.
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RonnieT
Gearhead Posts: 912
From: Port Allen, La. 70767
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 05-12-2003 08:17 PM
Mark, The srring is NOT unloaded when the front end is up, do not take anything loose until you have, has Scoop said, a GOOD coil spring compressor. The spring is still compressed enough to remove body parts has it flies out.
You need a compressor like this one that Eastwood sales.
http://www.eastwoodcompany.com/ http://www.eastwoodcompany.com/images/P520.jpg [This message has been edited by RonnieT (edited 05-12-2003).]
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rockafellz
Gearhead Posts: 1459
From: San Lorenzo, CA, USA
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 05-12-2003 09:41 PM
Autozone and Pep Boys rent these for FREE with a refundable deposit!! THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED!!  He hasn't replied yet, hopefully he isn't outside trying to remove that sucker!!  Erik ------------------
1966 Ford Mustang 2+2
Mine - Restomod in Progress 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe
Dad's - Original Unrestored
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mvendl
Gearhead Posts: 188
From: Lowell, IN, USA
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 05-13-2003 11:37 AM
Whoa, thanks for the heads up. I havent done it yet.. thankfully. I took another look at the car when it was jacked up and noticed that there really is no way for the spring to fully open up, even with the car lifted. In any case, I wanted to get an opinion on the compressor. I've seen compressors that compress the spring from the center, and those that grip it from the outside. The one I have clamps down on the coil from the outside, and there are 2 of them to connect to the spring. Does anyone have an opinion on which is SAFER, or just easier to use?thanks, --mark ------------------
'66 Mustang Coupe
'90 Mustang LX 5.0 Convertible
'85 F150 XLT 302
'94 GMC Sonoma SLE
'03 GMC Envoy (the wife's)
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johnmustang
Gearhead Posts: 6748
From: British Columbia , Canada
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 05-13-2003 11:51 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mvendl:
Whoa, thanks for the heads up. I havent done it yet.. thankfully. I took another look at the car when it was jacked up and noticed that there really is no way for the spring to fully open up, even with the car lifted. In any case, I wanted to get an opinion on the compressor. I've seen compressors that compress the spring from the center, and those that grip it from the outside. The one I have clamps down on the coil from the outside, and there are 2 of them to connect to the spring. Does anyone have an opinion on which is SAFER, or just easier to use?thanks, --mark
When I did mine I used the spring compressors that clip to the outside of the coil. What I also did was, once I had the coil compressed I put a chain through it with a lock, just in-case it let go. Probably over kill on my part but I have seen a coil release, and go through a wooden garage door. Better safe than sorry, be very careful when you do this job.
JOHN 
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65 2+2 FASTBACK
87 TAURUS WAGON
98 F150 XLT TRITON V8 4.6, 4 WHEEL DRIVE
Member:Vancouver Island Mustang Association
M&M #1710
MyPhotoPage
MY TRUCK
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cynot65
Gearhead Posts: 1258
From: New York
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 05-13-2003 01:10 PM
Patience is very important. Don't try to rush this job.
Tony C*------------------
65 Convertible, Vintage Burgandy/Standard Black Interior, 289, 4spd
M&M Member#450
It ain't done yet, but it'll be done right!!
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John Z
Gearhead Posts: 506
From: Morgantown, WV
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 05-14-2003 02:42 PM
quote:
Originally posted by mvendl:
I've seen compressors that compress the spring from the center, and those that grip it from the outside. The one I have clamps down on the coil from the outside, and there are 2 of them to connect to the spring. Does anyone have an opinion on which is SAFER, or just easier to use?
The center compressor is recommended for Mustangs. I was able to remove springs with the external compressor but could not replace the spring. Get one from one of the "loaner" stores as it's a once in a life time tool for hobbiest.
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68DARKHORSE
Gearhead Posts: 446
From: Austin, Tx
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 05-14-2003 04:31 PM
quote:
Originally posted by mvendl:
I took another look at the car when it was jacked up and noticed that there really is no way for the spring to fully open up, even with the car lifted.
The shock keeps the spring from fully extending. If you can do the work without removing the shock, you should be ok without a compresor. ------------------
68 GT FASTBACK
www.imboc.com/phpBB/Uploads/1020432917.jpg
01 GT BULLITT www.imboc.com/phpBB/Uploads/1020440453.jpg
96 OJ BRONCO
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 05-14-2003 07:19 PM
quote:
Originally posted by 68DARKHORSE:
The shock keeps the spring from fully extending. If you can do the work without removing the shock, you should be ok without a compresor.
He wants to remove the spring. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 Please remember our sponsors,
Mustangs Plus, NPD, Osborn Reproductions, MyFordPerformance.com, and FordRamAir.com
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joe
Gearhead Posts: 522
From: Los Angeles
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 05-14-2003 10:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by mvendl:
The one I have clamps down on the coil from the outside, and there are 2 of them to connect to the spring. Does anyone have an opinion on which is SAFER, or just easier to use?thanks, --mark
The one you have works, but they're more of a pain to use. I've used them beforehttp://www.eastwoodcompany.com/images/P520.jpg
I think this kind is the best and safest. Good luck.
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Jeff
Gearhead Posts: 306
From: Moore, OK USA
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 05-15-2003 11:44 AM
quote:
Originally posted by joe:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by mvendl:
[b]The one I have clamps down on the coil from the outside, and there are 2 of them to connect to the spring. Does anyone have an opinion on which is SAFER, or just easier to use?thanks, --mark
The one you have works, but they're more of a pain to use. I've used them beforehttp://www.eastwoodcompany.com/images/P520.jpg
I think this kind is the best and safest. Good luck.[/B][/QUOTE]
If you use that kind, you need to have or make a large heavy washer to use at the top of the shock tower to avoid sheet metal damage. This kind is a lot better:
http://www.drgas.com/promotor/products.html Item #10
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mvendl
Gearhead Posts: 188
From: Lowell, IN, USA
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 05-20-2003 10:10 AM
For the record, it was a pain in the a$$. I removed one of the springs (LH) on Friday... I started about 10:30pm and finished up around 1:30am. There really isnt enough room on the mustang to remove the spring using the outside spring clamps. I will say that the suggestion to use chains on the spring was a good one and made me feel a bit more comfortable. I probably used too many as they got in the way, but it was safer. I think for the RH spring, I'll probably rent/borrow the tool that removes it from the inside.Thanks for all your help everyone. --mark
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rockafellz
Gearhead Posts: 1459
From: San Lorenzo, CA, USA
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 05-20-2003 10:24 AM
Forgot to mention, when using the tool from inside the spring, you'll have to use a couple spacers between the top of the screw to the top part of the spring compressor otherwise when you turn the bolt to compress the spring, the bolt will hit the spring perch. If you're confused, you'll understand what i'm saying when you lay it in there. We used 5 big nuts as spacers. Erik ------------------
1966 Ford Mustang 2+2
Mine - Restomod in Progress 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe
Dad's - Original Unrestored
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KULTULZ
Gearhead Posts: 959
From: Rockville, MD
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 05-20-2003 01:34 PM
-This type- is the safest to use with the spring mounted over the top control arm. It actually has plates that capture the spring and there is no way that it can slip, as it can with either the regular internal and external arm types.It is hard to see in this photo but is similiar to the one available from FORD Special Service Tools years ago.
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