[2112jb]

Does anyone have any tips on installing coils on fords with the spring on top of the upper control arm? I have a 63 fairlane and the new springs are 19" tall and must be collasped to 13" in order for them to be reinstalled. I had the spring in a vise to hold it still and tightened the spring compressor as far as i could and only got the spring to 14". This is scary stuff. I am not so afraid of the spring as I am the spring compressor breaking and flying apart. What if I cut 1 coil out? How low would that make my car? I am not opposed to lowing it some.
Am i doing this right?

 

[poncho62]

If it is a quality spring compresser, I would trust it. That's the way it's done..................

 

[red65mustang]

my good deed for the day?

dug out and measured a pair of 65 Mustang V8 HD springs =16"

your clue was 13" collapsed = 3-4" of compression/travel, normal on a car with 16-17" springs = 5-6" of wheel travel

19" springs sound like pick up truck springs? 19 - 13 =

sure you've got the right ones????

compressor I rent is the old style, 1/2" thick threaded rod and machined yokes that grab the coils from the inside, plenty safe

? did you remove the spindle so the upper arm will drop more? should be enough room with the spring collapsed(about 2-3 ") in position to re-bolt the spindle before releasing the spring