Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: 86cougar on August 16, 2012, 07:48:11 PM
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: 86cougar on August 16, 2012, 07:48:11 PM
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!
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: Beau on August 16, 2012, 07:56:58 PM
Yep, you'll need to align it properly..
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: Aerocoupe on August 17, 2012, 07:29:54 PM
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
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: Beau on August 17, 2012, 08:55:16 PM
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.
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: 86cougar on August 18, 2012, 02:56:24 PM
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
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: beast50 on August 19, 2012, 02:26:00 AM
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
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: 86cougar on August 19, 2012, 12:14:16 PM
You can typically rent one at AutoZone or OReilly's.
Darren
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: Beau on August 19, 2012, 03:52:46 PM
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.
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: 86cougar on August 19, 2012, 04:58:37 PM
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.
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: beast50 on August 20, 2012, 05:10:22 AM
: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:
Title: Setting up the springs.
Post by: 86cougar on August 20, 2012, 11:37:01 AM
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.