Front spring removal?

[Taemian]

I'm going to chop my coils up front 1/2 coil....read all the posts about this, but never saw what I want to know....do I need a spring compressor?

[FordNut]

Although I haven't had mine out, I have heard that the OEM fronts are basically the same as coil-overs except they do not have adjustment rings. If that is the case, you should be able to remove the spring/shock assembly without a compressor but you will need some kind of compressor to remove and re-install the spring on the shock.

On the other hand, I may be way off-base so if anybody has personal experience with it I would welcome corrections.

[TheDonk]

The assembly comes out as a unit. You have to swing the calipers out of the way. Unbolt the sway bar at the wheel assembly, unbolt the upper arm at
the wheel and swing it up out of the way ( probably have to loosen the
large nuts to do this). Once you've done that then remove the 3 nuts
at the top of the shock tower and the whole assbly will drop, you'll
have to push down on the wheel to swing it out. Assembly out you will
need spring compressor to remove shock from spring.
If you have other questions feel free to ask - recently changed my
shocks.

[FordNut]

Thanks for confirming my understanding of the setup.

I recently purchased a set of Naake fronts and have been apprehensive of the swap process.

[Taemian]

Thanks guys!

[Zack]

Thanks for confirming my understanding of the setup.

I recently purchased a set of Naake fronts and have been apprehensive of the swap process.

You need a spring compressor for the OEM's for sure Brian.

[Zack]

I'm going to chop my coils up front 1/2 coil....read all the posts about this, but never saw what I want to know....do I need a spring compressor?

1/2 coil???????
I hope you meant 1 coil, cause 1/2 aint gonna do squat

[GreekGod]

...is front end alignment affected? In other words, does a R & R of the strut assembly lose the alignment and require re-adjustment?

I'm thinking & hoping the alignment is maintained. If so, it sounds like an easy driveway/afternoon job, except for the dangerous spring compression, of course.

[Taemian]

1/2 coil???????
I hope you meant 1 coil, cause 1/2 aint gonna do squat

Actually, I was planning on doing 3/4 coil cut. KB Panthers started with 1 full coil cut, but went to 3/4 shortly after.

So, will an angle grinder with an aggressive wheel be good enough to cut the spring? I've swapped sets of coils before, but never cut them myself.

[KillJoy]

Cut ONE COIL.

Please, for the love of your car, do not cut 1/2 coil. You WILL be disappointed.

:up:

KillJoy

PS - Angle Grinder = good stuff. Go slow, and keep the spring cool. Heating it will change it rebound ability.

[TheDonk]

I couldn't see where anything I messed with for the shock
replacement would affect the alignment so I really wasn't
worried about it. But just for grins I had it checked and
it was fine.

[Taemian]

I couldn't see where anything I messed with for the shock
replacement would affect the alignment so I really wasn't
worried about it. But just for grins I had it checked and
it was fine.

Thanks for that info. My MM has 12k on the odo, with the factory specs. Guess I'll put in CarFixer's specs AFTER the drop just to avoid the factory wear issues and correct anything the drop may promote.

[freakstatus]

Ian, is this purely for looks (appearance/rake)?

[gmtech]

1/2 coil???????
I hope you meant 1 coil, cause 1/2 aint gonna do squat
my thoughts too...i cut one coil last month and only got 3/4 inch drop...

[Zack]

Cut 1 coil!!!!! 3/4 barely produces any results.

After I cut 1 coil on the Blue, I went and had it aligned and it was within factory spec.

So cutting my springs actually brought the car where it should be, go figure.

[Taemian]

Ian, is this purely for looks (appearance/rake)?

Looks are a factor, but I do want to induce a little understeer as well. If I upgrade my sway bars, I'm only planning on doing the front. I've had the tail come around at over 100 klicks when on a call once in a CVPI, and since then I'll gladly "force" some plow to the fronts instead!

Also, I read that KB cut 1 coil in his N/A cars, and 3/4 in his S/C cars. (a posting on this site) Since I'll be going Trilogy, that seems best.

Anyone disagree? Opinions welcome!

[TheDonk]

Thanks for that info. My MM has 12k on the odo, with the factory specs. Guess I'll put in CarFixer's specs AFTER the drop just to avoid the factory wear issues and correct anything the drop may promote.

That sounds like a good plan. You won't regret getting the new alignment
to save the tires.

[Zack]

You need to cut 1 full coil, especially if your car has low mileage.
You will be kicking yourself if you do not.

[KillJoy]

You need to cut 1 full coil, especially if your car has low mileage.
You will be kicking yourself if you do not.


I hate to agree here, but I do.

I got right at 3/4" drop up front for a full coil. The looks are MUCH improved over stock, and the quality is NOWHERE near the Eibachs.

I WOULD still recommend getting your alignment checked after the cutting. It is a great time to have Carfixer's Specs set ;)

:up:

KillJoy

[Zack]

I hate to agree here, but I do.

I got right at 3/4" drop up front for a full coil. The looks are MUCH improved over stock, and the quality is NOWHERE near the Eibachs.

I WOULD still recommend getting your alignment checked after the cutting. It is a great time to have Carfixer's Specs set ;)

:up:

KillJoy

Steve means Eibachs SUCK

[KillJoy]

Steve means Eibachs SUCK

Actually, I meant the RIDE QUALITY......

:rolleyes:

KillJoy

[finster101]

Cut one full coil. Definately have the alignment done. Some drop the rear a little too. I did not as I like the look better. Cutiing anything less will be a waste of your time!

[O's Fan Rich]

Doing the springs is fun!
I cut 1 coil off and it worked out very well. I also dropped the back end a tad...

I might even install the double double QA-1 kit I have sometime...

Oh, and I have a Trilogy, and so do a few others who cut a full coil and love the results.

[TCBO1]

Actually, I was planning on doing 3/4 coil cut. KB Panthers started with 1 full coil cut, but went to 3/4 shortly after.

So, will an angle grinder with an aggressive wheel be good enough to cut the spring? I've swapped sets of coils before, but never cut them myself.

The KB MMs also have larger tires so that may be why they dropped back to 3/4 of a coil rather than a full coil?? Maybe?

Natalie

[magindat]

Cut a full coil. Go get an alignment.

[SILVERSURFER03]

Yes Cut A Full Coil...remove Wheel Remove Rotor Then Caliper/then Loosen Upper Control Arm/ I Removed The Front Sway Bar Completly Take The Abs Loose From Upper Control Arm. Remove The 3 13mm Bolts From Top Of Spring Then Lower Bolt. Pray Open And Remove...... Spring Compressor To Remove Sprint / Wizzer To Cut One Coil Or Little More.. Then Reinstall Took Me 4 Hours The Fist Time ...only 1hr 45 The Last Time..yes Alignment Would Be Ness. Check Link For Mesurments.. I Like The Ride Its A Little Firmer And Looks Great.... The Rear Is A Lot Simpler To Do

[Taemian]

Thanks for the input, everybody! I will go for the full coil cut to the front, and I have already dropped the rear via the adjustment. I want the stock rake back again, so I won't cut the rears.

[Marauderjack]

Beware parking lot "stops".......CRUNCH!!!:eek::shake:

[finster101]

Thanks for the input, everybody! I will go for the full coil cut to the front, and I have already dropped the rear via the adjustment. I want the stock rake back again, so I won't cut the rears.
there is nothing to cut in the rear.

[Taemian]

there is nothing to cut in the rear.

Man, I drove CVPIs for too long. I can't remember I now have a "springless rear suspension" for the life of me!:o

[GreekGod]

Man, I drove CVPIs for too long. I can't remember I now have a "springless rear suspension" for the life of me!

Please 'splain further...no comprende.

[jgc61sr2002]

Please 'splain further...no comprende.

He made a mistake. He was thinking of CVPI as the Marauder was his first vehicle with air suspension.

[Taemian]

He made a mistake. He was thinking of CVPI as the Marauder was his first vehicle with air suspension.

Exactly! Old-fart syndrome...can't remember a dang thing anymore!

[captain]

Would be wise to revisit headlight adjustment. Remember to have the key "on" so the compressor will put bumper height to actual driving height.

[GreekGod]

Man, I drove CVPIs for too long. I can't remember I now have a "springless rear suspension" for the life of me!...

Oh, I see, said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw....actually the air-bag suspention uses an "air-spring". The air bags are considered air-springs, ergo my confusion to your reference.