Spring removal?

Topic: Spring removal? (Read 3123 times) previous topic - next topic

Spring removal?

October 24, 2007, 11:24:10 PM

Ok so I want to lower my 87 Turbo Coupe.. But instead of buying a new set of springs I want to cut the ones down that are already on it.
My friend did this on his 88 TC and it's just fine.. The ride is stiffer but that's about it.

I'm going to assume both would be the same process because either way you have to take the springs in the car out.

How do I go about doing this? Never done anything like this before..

Thanks

Spring removal?

Reply #1 – October 24, 2007, 11:50:02 PM

go and get a spring compressor, usually you local auto parts store will loan them out.

Spring removal?

Reply #2 – October 25, 2007, 12:27:18 AM

So is that all you do? Jack up the car and use a spring compressor to remove the springs?

Spring removal?

Reply #3 – October 25, 2007, 12:59:58 AM

Maybe, but you will more than likely have to remove the end link(for sway bar), and the spindle. to let the a-arm down. Make sure you have a jack under the arm before removing any bolts.

Spring removal?

Reply #4 – October 25, 2007, 03:51:00 AM

i suggest getting a haynes manual first

Spring removal?

Reply #5 – October 25, 2007, 05:18:35 AM

Quote from: Ductape91;184504

i suggest getting a haynes manual first

+1

or go to autozone and read the one they have there first. Also don't be surprised to find a broken spring or two.

Spring removal?

Reply #6 – October 25, 2007, 08:06:27 AM

When I removed my springs on a 87 cougar they were broke at the bottom and I had to beat the broke pieces out of the A arm. So I bet you will have to lower the A arm in order to get enough clearance to remove springs even after compressing.

Spring removal?

Reply #7 – October 25, 2007, 11:42:17 AM

You don't need a spring compressor.

Fronts, just make sure you have a jack under the control arm when you unbolt the strut from the spindle. Lower the jack, the spring will just pull out.

Backs are even easier. Disconnect the shocks and quad shocks, lower the rear, springs come right out (though you may have to wrestle them a little)

Reinstalling them up front isn't very fun, but if you're putting in shorter springs it shouldn't be too bad.

Spring removal?

Reply #8 – October 25, 2007, 01:14:43 PM

A loaded spring is very dangerous. 23027 is a novice. That's not a good mix... Use the spring compressor to be safe.

Spring removal?

Reply #9 – October 25, 2007, 04:37:01 PM

Get your friend to help you.

Spring removal?

Reply #10 – October 25, 2007, 05:33:06 PM

I've never used a spring compressor. Just get the car far enough up in the air so that the control arm can come down .

Spring removal?

Reply #11 – October 25, 2007, 05:54:46 PM

when I took the springs out of my TC, i had to take the jack handle off, and use it to leverage the a arm down, the spring then fell out...if the weight is off the fronts, and the end links are disconnected, there's not a lot of danger of the spring zinging out.
But if i'm wrong, and you suddenly have a spring for a lip ring, don't blame me, i agree read a manual, and try to hve someone on hand that is familiar with this stuff...other than that, good luck

Spring removal?

Reply #12 – November 08, 2007, 08:44:19 PM

Yeah well I do have a Haynes manual I will try to do this with that and have my buddy with me..

Overall is this a very time consuming process? I am a novice like 04FordHarleyF250 mentioned before.. I'm wondering if I should just pay whoever puts in my new clutch to do it for me to save a lot of time and hassle..

Spring removal?

Reply #13 – November 08, 2007, 10:02:55 PM

On the rear watch out that you don't stretch out and break the rubber brake line.

TED

Spring removal?

Reply #14 – November 26, 2007, 03:06:43 PM

Dropping the fronts out is very dangerous! I have done it, but.....i also hooked a chain around the spring to keep it from flying out from under the car while I lowered the jack.

It's all about you controlling the spring and not the spring controlling you.

One thing about spring compressors:...they are not totally safe. I had a compressed spring in one of those tools and put it on the tailgate of my truck while I was getting ready to "unload" the spring when the compressor broke and the spring exploded and hit me in the crotch. Missed my family jewels by millimeters.

Always treat a compressed spring like a loaded gun and think about where it will go if it unloads.