Installing Front Coil Springs & Struts on a Ford Fox Body

In this video I show all the steps needed to install front coil springs and struts into a Ford Fox body. Front coil springs can be a challenge, especially when you don't have the weight of the engine to help you out. So be prepared for some frustration and effort during your install.
I couldn't get my spring compressors up into place on this set up. If you're able to figure out a different method, I'm open to suggestion. I struggled with these springs for quite some time to get them installed. I'm sure you could see the frustration on my face.
Be sure to take a break if you need one.
Previous video in the series: • How To Degree a Camshaft
The #FairmontProject playlist: • ETCG Gets a New Car! -...
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarguy.com
Camera: Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/...
The Parts
Camber/Caster plates: www.americanmuscle.com/srperfo...
Springs: lmr.com/item/ST-5558200/79-04...
The kit with my front knuckles and brakes: lmr.com/item/SVE-2300DK-B/199...
Related Videos
Alignment Basics: • Do You Need an Alignme...
New Fairmont Parts (Suspension): • New Fairmont Parts! #F...
New Fairmont Parts (Suspension): • The #FairmontProject G...
#DarkMatterPikachu on the Dyno: • The #FairmontProject E...
Engine Balancing Video: • How To Balance an Engi...
**Answers to your automotive questions found here: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq
Social Network Links
Facebook: EricTheCarGu...
Twitter: / ericthecarguy
Google+: plus.google.com/1001951801966...
Instagram: / ericthecarguy
Wanna see more stuff like this from ETCG? Information on Premium Membership: www.ericthecarguy.com/premium...
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@martincarey8620]

Oh don't ya just love springs!!! Really impressed that you showed the struggle, rather than just show it done and say "there ya go kids, it's easy!"

[@travisy7861]

Thank you for showing the strut assembly better than anyone on KZbin.

[@MrToolsinbox]

Thanks for the video and sticking it through ! Your channel is not about having millions of dollars in tools to make every job as easy as it can be, but using what you have to get it done, so that said, thanks for the inspiration to not give up ! Keep going Eric.

[@easytopleez33]

What I like best about Eric's vids!! He actually shows the HELL it can be sometimes to get stuff done!! Good Job!!

[@MilesFromExtraordinary]

This job was so relatable. Not that I want to see you suffer, Eric, but I'm glad you showed how hard this was. Also, Kudos to Brian for climbing AND getting the action in frame. Cheers!

[@petrocksgarage]

When I've done this job, I mount the strut to the strut mount first and then jack the control arm up to meat the bottom of the strut. This makes it easier to make sure the spring stays in place as I jack it up because the strut isn't in the way. I also wouldn't sit directly in front of the control arm/spring in case the spring decided to let loose and try to smack me in the face. :-) There is also a wedge style spring compressor (a.k.a. Coil Spring Compressor, OEM part # 27035) available that works well with this style suspension. Its available for rent at most auto parts stores. The claw style spring compressors (a.k.a. Strut Spring Compressors, OEM part # 27036) won't work well here because you can't get the claws on opposite sides of each other due to clearance.

[@crimes569]

Pet Rock's Garage that's how I do it and it was a breeze

[@nissanbrown6144]

Pet Rock's Garage exactly dats how I do it

[@captainhowdy9557]

Pet Rock's Garage Well that’s ass backwards

[@MotorScotti]

That's exactly the spring compressor I used on my Firebird. I'm somewhat reliefed to see that even a pro can struggle to put these coil springs in. Even with the spring compressor that was so far the #1 most annoying part to do on my car restoration.

[@BigHappysPlace]

LOL Eric is trying VERY VERY HARD to keep it kid friendly. Notice all the jump cuts.. inset foul language in these spaces. LOL. Awesome Job Eric.

[@musthavechannel5262]

"It is harder than it looks", said everybody ever (ROFL)!!! Great video Eric.

[@mucha667]

Read this at the moment that sound started

[@LeadingEdgeAaron]

I gotta hand it to your for your restraint. I wouldn't have been able to air any videos of me doing this because all you'd have heard was the beep from me censoring myself. I noticed you caught yourself at one point, because I started to hear a "Fffff" and then a "Shhh". I cannot imagine doing this with even slightly larger springs. I really enjoyed this video, so thanks!

[@Imatk]

This is the only video that shows just exactly how much of a pain in the ass this is. Love it man!

[@HsCSpanky]

What a fight. Respect for showing the entirety of your efforts, not just the successful attempts.

[@Chevroldsmobuiac]

Nice to see some reality regarding the amount of effort a project like this takes... all the shows on TV show the mechanic snapping his fingers and viola! Great job, thanks for the video.

[@roygustafson7729]

I like how you show the real side of mechanics.." if it works.. I'm gonna do it!" Yessssss.. that's all we can do 💯💢😜😂🍀🥦🙏💪😎👍🦊🐎

[@mentaldan666]

I love the fact you didn't edit out all the part you were struggling. It's good to see that. Curious as to how many expletives you said that day though. Haha. Also, did your suspension get scratched up much, with all that prying on it?

[@bhagler73]

Much respect. Not everything is perfect, and it's nice to see it done in a way for people like me, mechanically un-inclined.

[@thomasridenour4830]

Eric have to hand it to you. I have done a lot of "mechanicing in my time (I am 70 years old) and have gone through the thing with the springs and let me tell you I was not near as patient as you were. That's why I pay a mechanic to work on my car now. Unless it is something simple. Even then sometimes #$@#%$#. Thanks for being so down to earth.

[@1bad302]

When I was watching this video, I caught myself chuckling, when you were struggling on the second spring. I feel your pain and have been through the same thing on all the Foxbodies I've worked on. I so badly wanted to throw a wrench or pry bar for you. I use a through the center spring compressor when I do these, but it's a real pain to get the hook end back out from inside the spring as the hole in the lca is too small. Awesome project by the way.

[@Jefferey04]

Why did you not use spring compressors?

[@ericthecarguy]

Wouldn't fit.

[@cornishsean1]

Did you even watch the video till the end ?

[@cvittas]

EricTheCarGuy that's unfortunate..

[@promethbastard]

Smaller spring compressors?

[@kieranwhoriskey7270]

Did you try using an internal spring compressor like Mercedes sells?

[@AAAComputerSolutions]

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one that had to fight the springs on a fox.

[@efremkiel8798]

the suppressed frustration in your breth. i could feel them 😌 good job Eric.

[@tom7601]

I'm glad "we're" finally back in the shop.

[@8BellsBrewing]

You had me on the edge of my seat watching you install those coil springs.

[@steffydog]

So much patience, I'd have given up ages ago. Cheers for another cracking video.

[@brenthann2623]

Seriously, this makes me feel better about my own ability. To know a professional runs in to some of the same walls I do is uplifting. My preacher is a great guy, but when he tells me about some of the struggles he has that I deal with also it gives me hope. Same thing here. Thanks for showing the fight and not some before and after (30 minute home makeover) crap.

[@kayttamatonnimi]

I was so much fun watching this. I was cheering when the spring finaly went in. And I know the feeling when a simple thing turns in to a fight but the feeling is awesome when you win the battle.

[@HigorCandido]

I would drop the A arm, put the spring in and then compress it in position. After that i would mount the A arm, then the strut. My car has double A arms, and it was a bitc* to put the spring in the way you did. The other side i did like i said before, and it was sooooo much easier! I love your videos Eric! I've learned soo much from you and the guys from the machine shop! Stay dirty!

[@poldmets]

Eric, your videos have always been a blast to watch and always tickle my inside DIY'er. Cannot wait to see your sleeper do a mean burnout !

[@JetlinerX]

Eric, I know you prolly cut a lot of it out, but I want to let you know how much I admire the fact that you never once just took the pry bar and smashed the car to death with it. I was frustrated FOR you watching this. It was pissing me off just as much as you!

[@SuperSport01]

I made a compressor for this. I used 5/8 threaded rod with .25 thick flat round plates. I stick a plate in between the coils and under the control arm with the threaded rod up the center of the spring. They sell compressors with the same idea in mind but they only fit certain vehicles. It makes so I don't have to use any kind of jack. I leave the strut connected to the camber plate but have the 2 bolts out of the spindle... or you could leave the spindle on the strut and separate the balljoint. I hope this helps if you ever have to do another Fox platform in the future, because you literally did this one in the most difficult way possible.

[@pentiuman]

It's almost good to see Eric frustrated and struggling, because it gives me confidence and helps me to keep trying on a challenging project (knowing even a pro has trouble sometimes).

[@Brian-Burke]

Great work as usual, Eric. When you were prying at the springs I was scared they were going to explode out of there. Damn that looked rough.

[@stevenbauer7744]

After seeing your struggles with this, I feel better about my own skill level that I have attributed to my amateur level experience because I do not do this kind of stuff full time. Thank You!! It's not necessarily a function of overall experience but of the number of times one has done a particular task. Of course, it gets faster with repetition.

[@hellcat1988]

I just got my front adjustable camber plates in the mail today. FINALLY! They don't have caster adjustment though, but the power steering on my car works just fine. Now I have to get around to actually fitting them and getting the car aligned. Also, the only good thing about a coil over style McPherson strut, the weight of the car makes it easy to get the shock seated into it's camber plate if you're careful and have something to hold/align the strut shaft OTHER THAN YOUR FINGERS!

[@pudgieperalta]

Had me on edge...good job Eric 💪🏽

[@NickiLasse]

This is running through my head: "YAYAYYYYYYYAYAYAYAY!" When i see a new etcg video :P

[@donerickson1954]

I replaced springs one time and fought them like you did, until I found a couple old u-bolts used that to compress one side of the spring. They were about 3in long about 1in spacing between the threads with a notched plate to draw the spring in with, put just the right curve to the spring to fit in both pockets then jacked up the ball joint, worked a treat.

[@alanhardman2447]

Love that Fairmont, dude! The only new car I ever bought was a '78 Fairmont V8 2-door sedan. At 32,000 miles, I installed a '71 360 HP 429 from a Mercury Marquis Brougham along with the Merc C6 trans. Kept the factory 2.78:1 gears. FAST car! Not sure how quick I could have made it, because the stock tires were not good at all for traction below 15mph or so, which is probably what saved the differential gears...😁

[@white89gt]

Eric, that 'Mont is so awesome. I love that thing. Thanks for the video, I need to do control arms. struts, and CC plates on my Mustang, and this will be helpful.

[@Enrique2k52]

Good job Eric! and good job too Brian.

[@Rustyshackleford878]

Seeing you do this was so frustrating because I did the same job not too long ago with a smaller Jack and one pry bar. I know your feels Eric.

[@ArchimedeanEye]

Could have easily used a '2 hook' style spring compressor and had this done quick

[@ManWander]

hey man thanks for showing the proper technique for throwing parts on the floor! :-) I'm sure I'll be practicing

[@DeatGaming]

Kudos, this build is really starting to come together, excited to see how it sounds. Also, possible video on jack maintenance, all the youtubers I have been watching in the past couple of weeks have all had squeaky jacks.

[@ericthecarguy]

Not likely to do a video on jack maintenance anytime soon, but I have plenty of #FairmontProject videos on tap.

[@HammondOfTexas0]

I haven't had to service mine yet, but when the time comes, I would expect a healthy coating of grease on all the pivot points would do it. I hate squeaky stuff, so when the time comes, a way will be found. Good video idea though.

[@josephtucci3666]

I felt you pain! Good vid man!

[@TheInitialForce]

Watching you fight with the coil springs is bringing bad memories back replacing the coil springs on my 95 chevy... none lowering springs... lol

[@thordehr]

The through the center spring compressor might not have fit through the center bottom, but the side mount dual compressors would work. Ran into this on a Jeep a few weeks ago. Worked a treat.

[@TempGuest7]

Dang, holy crap Eric I was feeling it with you towards the end there. Not all the way obviously but hey just think when you're driving it, it'll all be worth it.

[@ivanknjezevic4840]

back to the workshop! feels like coming home.

[@dangleason9023]

I was thinking of the Russian guy from "Armageddon" yelling "I hate this machine!" during the whole struggle. Haha. Springs are dangerous though, yeesh. Perfect example for viewers though, to know what you're in for. Love all your videos Eric!

[@Elmer_RedEagle]

Coil spring clamps/Coil Spring Booster, those sketchy kind used to either lower or lift a vehicle. Actually work great for this, just squishes 2 coils together but Ive found sometimes that's just enough extra clearance when installing springs. Used them to do a coil spring conversion on a Lincoln Mark VII that had worn out factory air bags. Made it easier to get the coils to go where the bags used to be.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

We've all had whole days based on "almost anxiety". You nailed that phrase. :) (a little after 21:30)

[@nathan4919]

I admire your patience I would have probably burned the car down and the garage also hahah

[@Cmlumley123]

He did that.. lol

[@SuperDave21]

Lordy Mama... that was a biatch...! Good job Eric! You da man!

[@MrCube17]

I can relate to "almost anxiety". This looked brutal!

[@youaregoingtolovethis]

Famous Eric The Car Guy words of wisdom quotes " If it looks like it sucks; it does." 16:53

[@ArchimedeanEye]

Another way I have done this is take the spring over to the press. Press it down a couple of inches. Take some narrow ratchet or clamping straps. Strap the coils in place while in the press. One strap each side. install spring

[@MattsMotorz]

Great video! I could FEEL your pain watching! Man have I been there before... It is seriously the worst when it takes so much effort to get something SOOOO close, and then it doesn't go in. It is like a sick joke. Because you GOTTA keep trying, you were so close! I am surprised you weren't jumping for joy when it finally went in. I know I would have been!

[@ericthecarguy]

Indeed it does. Many suggested I loosely connect the ball joint first next time and align the rear instead. I think I'll try that next time.

[@ComblessMan]

I really felt the anxiety and it was helped by the jack who seemed to know the music from the shower scene from the movie Psycho. I drank my beer twice as fast and lost all my finger nails.

[@yambo59]

I so feel your frustration, I was swapping my crappy bottomed out Mexican made factory 2003 S10 front coils for a set of German made Belltech springs. I was trying for days to get them in as youre doing from the ball joint side, but finally realized it was not going to happen. So I took a different approach and left the ball joints connected and dropped the inner bushing side of the control arm and went in that route - they went in the first try with much less effort. I had never had to resort to that method before, but it was the suggestion of a local shop that led me to try it. Wish I had found the guy sooner--lol

[@garyclemons1129]

good job keep up the good work

[@rhkips]

I know it's super sketchy, but small ratcheting come-a-long type straps can work to compress the spring in situations like this! Keep in mind, you're not having to compress the spring to ride height; just enough to slip it into its groove--maybe an inch or so. As a bonus, a piece of twine tied around the strut threads, fished through the mounting hole and out over the fender gives you something to help guide it into place. You can even grab the twine in your teeth and keep both your hands free. :]

[@oldassaccount9034]

Yay another video!

[@mandroid3219]

For some reason I found this hilarious.

[@DennisNedryisStillAlive]

Then you're a sadist lol

[@monkishg]

Ran into the same problems we did when I lowered my foxbody. We used a ratchet strap to hold the spring in. Maximum Motorsports sells a tool to hold the springs in, but, a ratchet strap does the job just fine.

[@davidsawyer1599]

Hey Eric. Another informative video. Clicked on the SR link as provided. I quote "No drilling" is one of the selling points. Not so much as observed. Only one review stated there would be some filing needed. Your cough was classic. Glad to see the progress. Stay dirty.

[@adrianlala5044]

man that is so frustrating but you did it thanks for sharing that

[@SaffordSpeedSolutions]

Pro tip : when using sn95 spindles on foxbody style ball joints , you'll need a .330 spacer to achieve torque and use the correct cotter pin

[@joe2mercs]

You need to use an internal telescopic spring compressor as used on Mercedes springs; they are installed about 25% compressed and have the potential energy of hand grenade if they get away from you! The arrangement of inboard springs with outboard struts as on your Fairmont is very similar to Mercedes suspension on E-Class cars. The tool allows you to almost close the coils of a spring safely and to retrieve the telescoping mechanism after finishing the job through the mounting hole in the lower control arm. It removes all the drama from a potentially dangerous procedure.

[@edvardstas1]

the most useful tools I've found for doing front suspension on fox/sn95 cars are brute force, a jack, sometimes a BFH, and ALWAYS cold beer. the front end on these cars are a PITA on the best of days..

[@jerrodl]

I was thinking a ratchet strap on the inside of the spring (anchored to the other side of the car) just to pull it into place a bit... But you got it! I know it's always tough w springs - when they go, any body part in the way isn't going to stop it!

[@abeclavojjo7927]

damn that d/s spring got you going for a while. you took it like a champ #truetech

[@yambo59]

If ya ever have to do t again, try dropping the inner bushing side of the control arm and going in that way, as I was saying below it was WAY easier, at least in my case.

[@markmccawley2526]

Rent-a-tool spring compressing clamps? You are persistent and awesome, love the videos. Was it me or did the pry bars gradually get larger and larger? This has to go in a greatest moments video in the future.

[@ZAMsChannel]

Good that you show how difficult it is. You could have cut down the video to just see you succeed. Thumbs up...

[@cobra454tim]

man Eric I was worried there for you for a while trying to put the springs in I was sort of on the edge of my seat because I know those springs have some crazy potential energy!

[@bradkrekelberg8624]

I've done Fox front coil springs many, many... MANY times. Easily my least favorite job on ANY car. You stayed far cooler than I have, haha. Maximum Motorsports front spring install tool, helps... a little. And lowering springs help... a little. But that job is just an all around pain in the ass. Mark my words. I'm never doing that job again.

[@edgargalvan5197]

Eric I wish you can do more repair videos like you used to !

[@mrautomotif8996]

I was waiting for the springs to come flying out the entire time.

[@joshuamills1615]

I love how cameraman Brian is hiding behind the cart at one point, in case tools get thrown lol.

[@chadharmon5716]

I could feel your frustration eric uggg

[@tom7601]

When we used to install new grips on handlebars, we sprayed the inside with cheap hairspray. The grips would slide on and when the spray dried, they were part of the handlebar...

[@georgepaulus1819]

I've found quite satisfying to know that you can cuss up a storm when necessary. A tool throw and I would have felt I was watching a selfie.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

Looking good.

[@dylanknight4752]

youre doing it wroooooong.

[@ericthecarguy]

Story of my life.

[@shoominati23]

Nice. I've personally got a fair few ebay deliveries lately for my Mitsubishi Lancer , got new tie rod ends, swaybar end bushes and just waiting for some nolathane swaybar body mounts so I can bolt it all together!

[@jackass123455]

shoominati23 i just replaced every bush in my lancer with nolathane 2 days and 20 somthing press fit bushes later and man the car is like a new vehicle

[@shoominati23]

ah, just my swaybar end bushes are perished and I thought I may as well replace the body mount ones at the same time to show I made an effort as the car is up for licensing soon

[@jackass123455]

all g man soo much beter all my rubbers in the rear were shot so i just went and did them all 1k in urethane later and well

[@Ryzomadman]

Eric the car guy should now be called Saint Eric of coil spring, I didn't even hear one small swear word ,either very well edited or you sir are a saint for I know for sure I would have let out more than a few hundred swear words all who would make a navi blush.

[@fordmanjosh]

No curse words, but he came close. 21:56 "sssshfffff "

[@WhatChoNayMizz]

It is interesting watching a video of you doing a job I have actually done. I had a much easier time pairing the knuckle with the strut.But I think stock control arms are a bit easier. MM makes a tool for this too, but you don't need it with lowering springs.

[@Liamautomechanic]

good vid eric

[@NebukedNezzer]

overall nicely done.

[@__WJK__]

Ratchet strap might have come in handy for holding/pulling those springs into place...hindsight is 20/20 of course ;)

[@Kickinpony66]

Or a Spring Compressor.

[@SamRFixes]

Or watch the whole video...

[@Kickinpony66]

I watched the whole video. There are different designs of Spring Compressors.

[@Cmlumley123]

I had that same thought

[@timacosta7015]

There is a special old school compressor made for coil springs where it is a plate that sits on the top of the spring with a large screw that goes up through the hole in the middle of the spring seat and locks to the plate in the top. You run the bolt on the bottom down and it holds the spring compressed to the lower control arm and it lets you swing everything up into place to attach your strut then you remove the compressor and presto.

[@robostyle9773]

I like coil overs on fox body front suspension. No monkeying around with coil springs and easily adjustable ride height.

[@ryanmg92]

compress the spring with your large spring compressor then feed quite a few windings of wire or cable through to hold is somewhat compressed. install the parts. close up the gap then slowly cut the cables.

[@ryanmg92]

admittedly not ''correct'' but iv used the method before on Mercedes springs

[@gilm3853]

the way that i have done springs (lowering, eibach drags, and stock) are to cut a one foot long piece of 2" pipe and slide it in the hole on control arm below spring so that once it tries to pop out you grab the piece of pipe and pull. its much easier to bring the ball joint to the spindle.. less fussing with the strut

[@georgeespinoza6710]

happy friday everyone

[@Ducaducs100]

Hey Eric great job. When i do springs like that i end up undoing the A arm off the sub frame and get everything lined up way bellow where it needs to be. Then i take one jack where you had it and another with a piece of wood spanning the two sub frame mounts, then work the whole thing up at once. The only problem in your situation is I dont know if you would have had enough weight on the car to compress it up enough. Great work and I am exited to see the final result.

[@Boot_185]

Got to use the cheap harbor freight sprint compressors. I did a drop kit this past summer for a customer dropped his car 2 and 3 inches. They worked like a charm brand new for just that job now they will sit in my tool box for ages lol

[@workingshlub8861]

nice job eric..had to same thing on my chevy astro because the lower control arms rusted thru and the spring shot right thru. it was not pretty. gotta be super careful doing this things can go bad real quick.

[@kevinthomas895]

I missed you at the SEMA show. I wanted to talk to you about a video or series of videos regarding when it's time to scrap a vehicle. Something to help people make the decision of when to let go of a used up vehicle.

[@TdrSld]

Coil spring compressor would have saved you a lot of headaches. I learned the hard way just like you, after the first set of springs on a customers fox body I said there has to be a better way lol.

[@ericthecarguy]

As I said in the video, I couldn't get any to fit.

[@TdrSld]

EricTheCarGuy didn't here that part sorry

[@UFOGHOSTHUNTER]

my floor jack twin!