'56 Ford Front Spring Removal

Hi!
Bought myself a pair of MOOG CC850 springs to get a lower stance on my '56. (Thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=260795&highlight=aerostar)

Ran into some problems when removing the old springs though. This might be dumb, but do you have to remove the lower A-arm to get the old ones out without compressors?

I've disconnected the spindle from upper a-arm to lower the rest with a jack and slide the spring out once it's fully extracted. My spring compressor was too long and i couldn't get it to fit.

This couldn't be done and it looks like i have to remove the lower A-arm completely. I suck i know so don't flame me please.

 

Unbolt the Tie rod end from the Steering arm- then let le lower control swing Down till you can get the spring out.

 

Even then you will have some issues, the front springs are tall and have a stiff rate, you may have to support the spring plate with a good floor jack, and grind the rivets off. Then you can lower the plate without disconnecting the lower arm. Replace the rivets with grade 8 bolts. should be ok. Thats what I did anyway.

Brad

 

What he said..............mine had spacers in the lower plate already from previous owner so I just had to unbolt them and let the spring out. Very simple.

 

Disconnect the spindle from the lower A arm. The jack under the A arm can be lowered and the arm lowered down and the spring will be easly removed. Don't need a spring compressor. Didn't have them when we did that stuff.

 

you do not have to remove the lower plate. Make sure the car is high enough so the lower A arm can go all the way dow.

PUTA CHAIN THROUGH THE SPRING AND ONTO THE FRAME (SAFETY ISSUE SO IF THE SPRING TAKES A POWDER IT WONT HIT YOU.

Undo the outer tie rod end and with the jack under the A Arm loosen and separate the lower ball joint from the A arm.

Slowly lower the jack untill the spring is loose.

 

It would have been easier if you disconnected the lower control arm from the frame instead of the spindle.Also so the spring doesn't tag you,stick an old tire iron down the shock hole to hold the spring.