Swapping Front Springs?

[Bimota Guy]

Anyone done this in their driveway? I have the M-3000-L kit (includes 1" front drop) and was wondering how long JUST the front spring swap should take.

TIA...

 

[Lightning Tim]

I can tell you this, I just tried droping the front end of mine 2" with Eibach springs and I couldn't even get one out! I had spring compressors and everything. I wrench on all my stuff but this is one project I would be glad to pay someone to do. Its a bitch. I have dropped my mustang in an evening but I don't know why I couldn't get the hang of this truck. I called a local rice boy lowering shop and they said they would lower it for $150. I think that is well worth it.

 

[Dageon]

Bimota, I took mine in to get changed. Then tried it in the driveway on a buddies. It took about 30mins on the first side. Then after knowing what I was doing it took aboout 20mins on the last. Not a big deal at all. If you need any help e-mail me I'll walk you threw it. I would defiently do it myself. Dageon

 

[Shorty]

Yeah, It's a pretty easy job. Myself and buddy had never done them before and it took us about an hour and a half. Recommend installing cam bolt kits while your down there. Take a good look at your control arm bushings, mine were cracked and nasty looking. Prothane is on the way along with Bilsteins.
Lastly, you don't need spring compressors. After you compress the lower control arm with a floor jack and break the upper control arm loose, lower the bottom control arm and the spring just falls out. Hope this makes sense. E-mail if you need step by step directions. R/S Dennis.

 

[Bolt]

Ditto, changed to another set today. It takes almost as long to get the truck on stands as it does to change out the springs. A little trick if you loosen the lower shock nuts you do not have to remove them to change the spring. Of course it depends on what shock you are running.

 

[Lightning Tim]

Boy do I feel stupid. I guess I was going about it the wrong way. I am usually not this dumb.

 

[Bimota Guy]

Tim, I was going to go the spring compressor route too, so that is why I was asking. I figured if there was a trick this gang would know it.

One more question. Any special tools require to break the upper control arm loose?

Thanks all!

-Steve

 

[scampismith]

No special tools needed. I put mine on jack stands and jacked the control arm and springs down. No spring compressors needed. Just take your time. It took me less than 1-1/2 hours.

George S. NLOC #542

 

[Shorty]

Actually there are no special tools needed but, when breaking apart the upper control arm, sometimes it won't come apart with a rubber mallet. The solution is to use two ball peen hammers. Put one hammer up against one of the flat sides adjacent to the spindle/control arm knuckle, then hit the other side with the other hammer as you, or someone else, applies pressure to the control arm in the direction you want it to separate. Did I confuse you? It's a little difficult to explain but it works for the stubborn separation. E-mail me if you want to talk on the phone about it. This is the tip that saved me big time. Good luck. R/S Dennis

 

[Lightning Tim]

Thanks for the tips guys! I got the springs in and saved myself a few dollars. I did what everyone said and broke the upper control arm loose and it fell out. Make sure you take the top nut off the shock though.