Topic: 68 coil spring installation problem ! Need help !!!

[mhubert89]

Hi ,

Oki i will try to explain the best i can myself ( i am french speaking ) . I install my coil spring on passager side. Now i try to install my driver side.. The coil when i loose the installing tool finish alway by popping for the upper lips. I try to put the rubber before , i try with tape on it .... I try with the suspension as is lower and i try to jack the lower control arm ... I try everything and finish alway by popping for upper back edge !!! What i do that is the mistake ??

Always popping where is the brown tape at left on the first picture !!

[67gtasanjose]

You have the wrong spring compressor. Mustangs use a specific compressor that when used, you'll avoid all of the problems you are having. Somebody should have a picture of one that they can easily post they will chime in shortly I'm sure.

[mhubert89]

So you think its the tool the problem ?

I compress the spring, but in place , start to loose the tool and after une couple turn , the top of the spring start sliding from the top insulator and just not staying at is place in the too insulator !

[jwc66k]

Here's a home made spring compressor that works on Mustangs. The threaded rod is 5/8-18; the upper round disc is 3/8 inch thick, 5 1/2 inch dia, there's a spacer welded to it; the bottom bar is 3/8 thick, 2 X 5 inches, with four 1/4-20 tapped holes with washers and nuts to  match the bottom angle of the spring and retain it; the bottom nuts are a standard hex and a hex jam nut (the bottom one was a nylock type but I upgraded) that need to be very tight; the upper nut is a coupler nut to spread the load; several washers with grease between the coupler nut and the upper disc act as bearings. It's not an over kill design.
The bottom picture is from a Ford Shop Manual showing what Ford uses. Snap-On Tools makes a similar version but for MacPherson strut springs - $261.00.
All I can say is mine works. I made two of my version, kept one. On the first "public" demonstration, I took the LH spring off with mine in less than five minutes, walked around to the RH side where the claw type was being used and waited - and waited. We finally removed the claw and used my tool on the RH spring.
I cannot stress that the coil springs can come loose and can do SERIOUS injury.
Jim

[67gtasanjose]

There are several other threads on this subject but of the ones I just reviewed, this looks to be the most comprehensive.
http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=9030.msg52718#msg52718

Hope it helps.

[mhubert89]

Finally put in place ! Use my compressor put i put the fork on the top of the shock tower ! Use another set of compressor for outside to put the spring in shock tower and lift them with the other compressor ! Thanks everyone for your help !