kwiksilver3441
Joined:
Feb 2003
La crosse/WI/USA
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do i actually have to compress the springs to change the struts or is it not necessary?
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turbo d
Joined:
Aug 2004
Dekalb IL
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I wouldn't say it's a necessity, but rather a real good idea, especially from a safety standpoint. If it's a stock setup there is a pretty decent amount of pressure on the preloaded spring, and although I haven't seen it firsthand, I have heard some stories of springs flying out and causing damage. Best bet is to pony up and either buy or rent a spring compressor.
If you're in a pinch you could jack up the car; compressing the spring, and wrap a chain around the spring. Just be careful and good luck.
D
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TCx2
Joined:
Apr 2001
Sierra Vista, Arizona
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There is no need to compress the springs when taking out the strut on the TC. The struts don't go inside the springs. I've changed the struts on several of my birds and never had a problem with the spring going anywhere.
OTOH it is wise to keep a floor jack under the lower A arm as the the A arm will drop abruptly when you get the strut loose and that isn't a good thing.
So put the car on stands, put the floor jack under the lower A arm with pressure on it and then do the removal process. You can adjust the jack/lower A arm as you need to get the strut out/in.
Kevin
TCx2
67 Green Ford Fairlane 428CJ 5spd
89 Fiji Blue Chrysler Conquest
03 Mercury Marauder "Supercharged"
03 Ford Excursion(King of the SUVs)
04 Mustang Cobra - Screaming Yellow
10 Challenger R/T "Supercharged"
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