I’m getting ready to install the Aerostar springs into my 56 Mercury. I’ve read all the threads including ones about how to do the install. One listed a way to drop the old spring out without removing any ball joints, but it was on an earlier Ford. My question is can I do this job by removing the two bolts that secure the lower arm to the frame, and leaving both ball joints? It just seems like a better option if it would lower the arm enough for spring removal. Thanks for any help
Yes! Leave the ball joints bolted in. I loosened the lower bj nut and used an expander threaded device my son used on his circle track front end. When it popped we put a floor jack under the a-arm, the removed the nut and lowered the A arm. While it’s down you may want to cut the rubber stopper in half. I used urathane spacers on top of the springs for silencer if your originals are in bad shape. Speedway $32.
I actually meant if I could leave the ball joints intact, and only remove the lower arm from the frame to get the spring out. I keep reading about ball joint horror stories but maybe I’m making too much out of it. I have a ball joint spreader tool but the one you posted looks easier to get in that tight area. I think I actually read your previous posts about the new spacers on top if originals are shot. Thank you very much for the reply
I’ve never tried it with the spring in. But getting the bolts out of the arms isn't that easy. Using a spring compressor and a piece of chain, or just the chain, and a floor jack is pretty common procedure. I’m sure jimmy’s referring to his 56 Ford above, so been there done that.
Done couple 57 fords, I always just pop the ball joint loose from the bottom arm. Never had any issues.
Do not remove the arm from the ch***is! It will be a hot mess to get back together, plus the arm helps get the new spring in place. Those springs are pretty short to they go in easy. Get new insulators for the top. The old ones might be okay, but you'll be chasing parts if they are not.
I don’t think the Mercury had a top isolator, only bottom. I’m going to order new bottom ones so I’m prepared like you suggested. I’ve also read about some people adding spacers if it’s too low, hopefully I won’t have to but it’s an option. I’m also ordering new whitewalls and am debating between 205/75 and 215/75. I currently have 225/75 tires and I know they’ll be too big, plus they’re only black walls.
I put the springs in mine and it was too low. I run 215/75 tires up front and they s****ed the fenders quite a bit. So out they came. I cut 1 coil from each and I'm happy with it.
I’m doing new rear leaf springs this weekend, my car has a rake. Once I get that done I’ll do the front springs and that will help me decide on tires, I’m leaning towards the 205’s for reasons just like you shared. Thanks
205’s on the front and 215’s on the rear. 6” wide rims; nothing rubs with normal driving. My isolators were on the top when I took it apart. It does take 2 jacks to remove a single rear tire. A scissor under the spring bolts to raise the tire off the ground and bumper jack to raise the body.
Thats a perfect stance. I love a little rake, right now I have way too much rake because previous owner had the springs arched for a rear lift. The guys over at fordbarn have been helping me sort it out. All getting fixed this weekend. I never thought of 205 front and 215 rear, great idea. I do have 7” rims so I’m hoping that doesn’t cause any rubbing. Your car looks great
Update - install went well, the Wehrs ball Joint remover tool worked great. Easy job overall. Still finishing up some details but will post pics when done, thanks all
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