Ford vs Chevy Build-up

[HandOverFist]

Originally Posted by slowpony

Steering wheel for 89 is different, no air bags.

That's good because this one no longer has an air bag either.

Got those 4-cylinder springs today...I'll tackle those this weekend.

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

That's good because this one no longer has an air bag either.

Got those 4-cylinder springs today...I'll tackle those this weekend.

If you have never replaced the front coil springs on a Ford Fox body, be prepared to scratch your head a few times.Unless you cut the old coils with a torch, and are installing lowering springs (shorter free length), it can be a bitc%! If you really want to have some "fun", try installing a pair of un cut Moroso drag springs! It seems that nobody has the correct special spring compressor, so I found it easier (make that somewhat less difficult), to unbolt the 2 large inner control arm bolts, and use a floor jack under the control arm. as long as the engine is still in the car, this method works fairly well. Of course trying to re install those lower control arm bolts afterwards will be a pain.

[FireSale]

Originally Posted by Rory McNeil

If you have never replaced the front coil springs on a Ford Fox body, be prepared to scratch your head a few times.Unless you cut the old coils with a torch, and are installing lowering springs (shorter free length), it can be a bitc%! If you really want to have some "fun", try installing a pair of un cut Moroso drag springs! It seems that nobody has the correct special spring compressor, so I found it easier (make that somewhat less difficult), to unbolt the 2 large inner control arm bolts, and use a floor jack under the control arm. as long as the engine is still in the car, this method works fairly well. Of course trying to re install those lower control arm bolts afterwards will be a pain.

For what it's worth, I had the same problem with my 68. No commercially available spring compressor fit the aftermarket front coils I used. Had to disassemble the compressor and put it back together inside the spring to make it work.

Dale

[87gt50]

I have used a spring compressor designed like this to remove/reinstall uncut Moroso drag springs on my fox several times. Access to the tool through the hole in the center of the spring perch on the a-arm, and make sure you get as many coils as possible included in the compression.
Btw, keep up the good work, you will have lots of fun with your Mustang!

[SSGT Mustang]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

That's good because this one no longer has an air bag either.

Got those 4-cylinder springs today...I'll tackle those this weekend.

Compressors never worked for me. I use an old fashion 3-4 foot crow bar with an angled tip.

I lower the front of the control arm while it's bolted onto the k-member. I put the spring in place (it will only seat about half way in at the bottom, maybe less). I wedge the crow bar into the control arm spring pocket (using the angled tip pointed downward) and push the spring backward while jacking up the front of the control arm. Reinstall the struts bolts. Move to the next spring.

You can get springs in your car in about 10 minutes this way.

I know it goes without saying, but you need to be careful. Make sure that you and the guy jacking the control arm are not standing in front of the spring in case it decides to go airborne.

[JHeath]

I have one of these, made a flat plate on the hex end, and went up thru the bottom of the control arm,hooking the upper hooks on the spring.

[FireSale]

Originally Posted by JHeath

I have one of these, made a flat plate on the hex end, and went up thru the bottom of the control arm,hooking the upper hooks on the spring.

Yep, that's mine. I removed two of the hooks to make it fit in the spring and reconnected them inside it to finish the job. Lots of painful short radius wrench work.

Dale

[HandOverFist]

Thanks guys - Our spring compressor consists of flat plates and has been used on all springs installed in Chevrolets...I suspect it will work just as well on the Ford. I have never installed an uncut Moroso spring in any car myself. Hope these springs work out the first go round.

[HandOverFist]

Car is at a friends machine shop for the roll bar finish welding. I'll tackle the front-end when he is finished.

Let's talk headers - While I'm not at that point yet I ran across a good deal...if they will work on this combo. A used set of long tube stainless Kooks, 1-7/8" primaries, 3.5" collectors, $550...to large for this engine?

What are you fellows using on similar cars?

[FireSale]

I can't speak to the clearances in your car, but I have Hooker Super Comp long tube headers on the 302 in my 68 coupe and getting at the header bolts is beyond painful. I have looked up header bolt solutions on the Net and I keep coming up with "Header Clearance Issue on Vintage Camaro" in the Ford searches so maybe it's not badge specific. The bolts to the lead side of the pipe aren't too bad but the ones on the back of each bend are super tuff to get to. I have a mix of bolts depending on what I could get to fit.

Power or manual steering? Better clearance on manual boxes.

Mine are 1 5/8 by 3 1/2 and I can't imagine larger ones on that engine. People do it but they cut the shock towers out, too.

Dale