What Spring Compressor For The Front??

May 19, 2012
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hey all trying to put my new moroso front drag springs in and i cant get stock ones out!! rented both of the ones from autozone that they had no luck! is there a different kind?? what is the right one?? thanks alot!.
 
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Getting them out is usually easier than going back in, especially with stock springs. Shorter ones go in easier.

An internal compressor works best, but be careful that you can get the clamp ears back out of the spring when installed. Don't ask why I know that.
 
The kind I used was a matco one. It had 4 giant claws and one bolt that went down the middle, kinda like a giant clamp. It worked perfect though. Thats the kind I would buy if I could ever find one like it.
 
The OTC compressor is probably about the best.

To use a generic internal compressor, you might also need to shim the head so the bolt (that compresses the spring) doesn't hit the frame.

Lowering the control arm down with a jack after unbolting the LCA bolts is another option.

With any of these methods, please be extra careful and safe.
 
First, USE A SAFETY CHAIN!
Second, if you loosen the bolts for the FCA to K-member, you can then likely pull the FCA down low enough for the spring to come out.

Note: People have been killed by springs flying out!
Just because someone says it's okay, that is not true!
Many idiots drink and drive and text and drive. Also, many of those idiots DIE!

Do not be foolish! If you do the lowering FCA and prying spring out method, then spend a MASSIVE ~$10 at Wal-mart, get a chain and some bolts, loop the chain through the k-frame and FCA, tie the ends together with a bolt and nut, and drop the FCA/spring.

BTW, for sn95's the springs do just come right out by hand. :nice: But, that's with a different (longer) FCA and different k-frame. :)


If you do want to know what the correct spring compressor tool is, and how to use it, see:
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/tmp/OTC-spring-tool/

Good Luck!