BigVIPness

So I've had KYB shocks and Tanabe springs sitting in my room for a GRIP and i've decided its time to install them. My friend who has a 84 horsepower 1987 Ford Escort who has pretty much done all of the work on it seems to think that since they are aftermarket springs they don't need to be compressed on a machine so we can install them in my driveway. Is this true or do I have to go to a place to have them de/compressed?

Thanks!

Wald GS

iTrader: (1)

PM my friend hotmachine he installed the springs on his sister's gs and did it himself.

bridge4d

I replaced the shocks/springs in my wifes '93 GS a few months ago. I used a spring compressor from the local auto store...did all four in my garage.

BigVIPness

So I should take my springs to a auto store? How much did it cost?

bridge4d

Nope, you don't need to take the springs. Go to your local AutoZone, NAPA, Pepboys or whatever and rent a set of coil spring compressors. They are nothing more than specialized C-clamps that you tension down with a socket or wrench. You put one on each side of the spring then tension them down. AutoZone charged me $40 to rent them...

Wald GS

iTrader: (1)

Sam, I would go ahead and spend the money to get a install. Springs are not a fun thing to install and if you have no prior experience you could injure yourself. Stop lagging it and get your parts on the car. Afterall you stated in a thread that you wanted your car to be the best 1st gen ever.

BigVIPness

Haha bryan I know I know I gotta get on top of things. I don't have any experence with installing springs but my friend dan is really good at that kind of stuff. His brother was telling us that instead of using that C-clamp thingy you can just use a jack and a chain, has anyone heard of that method before?

koolaidman

u can do it on ur drive way. all u need is a spring compressor

CTgs300

asking is one thing but if you are not sure about it let someone else do it. If your friend says he can do it let him but make sure that if he can't finish the whole job he can get it to someone who can This is not a car you want anything hacked because it will cost you in the long run. and i'm not saying anything about your boys mechanical abiltity he could be a great mechanic If you have doubts take lexaristos advice and bring it to a shop

BigVIPness

Ya for sure, just to clairify he does know how to install the springs and shocks and did a great job on his car and on my friend blakes car, what he doesn't know is if aftermarket JDM springs need to be compressed first or if they already are. I should have been more clear on that. I'll rent the compressor and post pics when its done!

SoCalSC4

I've installed springs in my bro's '94 GS several times... recently, I pulled the Eibachs & stock struts and installed KYBs.

To remove the top cap from the OE springs, you'll definitely need a spring compressor- the stock springs are long enough to keep the cap under quite a bit of tension. You might be able to 'borrow' a spring compressor from Pep Boys with a deposit. I bought one several years ago and have used it quite a bit- best $40 I ever spent!

Because they will be shorter, you might be able to get the new springs on the struts without compressing them- but a spring compressor makes the job quite a bit easier.

Another note: to remove the front spring/strut assembly, some people separate the upper ball joint.
I don't like to do this, as using a pickle-fork on the joint screws up the dust boot. Instead, I disconnect the sway bar end link (easier if both front wheels are off the ground) and remove the bracket on the lower control arm that the lower portion of the strut attaches to.
Then you can push the suspension down far enough to get the spring/strut assembly out.

Also, make a note of how the strut cap studs are oriented before taking the old springs out. This will make reinstallation easier, as they will line-up properly with the shock tower in the engine compartment.

BigVIPness

^^ Thanks very much!! I'll show dan this thread