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.
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The Parts
Camber/Caster plates: www.americanmus...
Springs: lmr.com/item/S...
The kit with my front knuckles and brakes: lmr.com/item/S...
Related Videos
Alignment Basics: • Do You Need an Alignme...
New Fairmont Parts (Suspension): • New Fairmont Parts! #F...
New Fairmont Parts (Suspension): • The #FairmontProject G...
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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.

[@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?

[@dylanknight4752]

youre doing it wroooooong.

[@ericthecarguy]

Story of my life.

[@Ode2Pops]

The fart at 20:35 made my day! Don't *ever* edit those out! :-)

[@KeeleDesign]

U should have seen me on my 68 impala, no body or motor just bare frame normal size springs. My mcpherson $600 compressor completely exploaded on me while fully compressed. I was a lucky dog boy. Ended up having to use the old school through the center compressor. Looks like it would have also benifitted u as well. Wish KZbin would let us post photos. Whew

[@vetterfellow]

Eric, I think your floor jack is sick it was wheezing. Every time I noticed the camera momentarily paused and went back on, I couldn't help thinking there's a few cuss words there !!. I couldn't see was that a nut you dropped on the floor? ... Jump on the bumper !!--- Steady hand Bryan to the rescue. A job well done Bro's. TTFN.

[@zx8401ztv]

What a pig of a job :-(, but you beat it Eric :-D. Did you try a ratchet strap around the lower part of the spring to the tube frame under the engine, it may have helped to pull the bottom of the spring in a few inches, just a daft thought from a daft person :-).

[@MikesFitnessGoals]

"Give me a long enough lever and a place to stand and I will install Fox body front coil springs."

[@winterskysteve]

Nice 1 Eric...lots of editing required for that one I'm guessing.

[@brandandahl5460]

I'm curious as to why you didn't use the squeaky floor jack?

[@danielgibbons5117]

It seem like every job I do on cars something stupid happens and it's always like this hard

[@EB240]

woohoo!!! falcon vidjeo's skookum eric

[@aserta]

Ok, tone it down mini AvE. :)

[@DJCr0ss]

Compress the spring and then ratchet strap or zip tie them so they stay in place =)

[@yoshiko130]

couldve used some cardboard and two bungie cords to pull the spring towards the engine bay while you jack up to help motivate the spring to move inwards rather than out.

[@KRAZZYMF]

Eric I hope you don't mind,but I did say a lot of cuss words for you so you didn't have to Lol! I hope that was a little help... just remember,when the going gets tough,the tough gets going!! Peace!

[@ipdjbt]

You should've rolled all those shiny clean parts in the mud so they'd match the filthy undercarriage

[@Steven.Cartwright]

OMG did you FART at 20:35 ??? listen to it a few times sounds like you push a FART out LOL LOL OMG

[@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.

[@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.

[@ArchimedeanEye]

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

[@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.

[@easytopleez33]

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

[@CarAudioInc]

'good luck' always translates to 'you're fucked' to me :(

[@hkphooey2doorcoupe249]

I'm screaming at the screen. I love Hondas ( I have 4) but did my trade on Fords. The top of the shock needed to go in first for ease of fitment.

[@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.

[@__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

[@DangarMarine]

14:10 had me thinking of the movie Pscyho.

[@supercoupe6288]

think I would've used a ratchet strap to pull the spring in.

[@ericthecarguy]

That could have worked. Wish I would have thought of it.

[@vaselivitch]

i was going to suggest the same thing.

[@JordyValentine]

I reckon a cheap bset of spring compressors would have got in there. The type thats just the claws on the threaded rod

[@workingshlub8861]

i never trust those things..jack is the way to go nice and slow.

[@thebad300]

yep that would be the way

[@damianmiller303]

maximum motor sports has a tool that makes installing foxbody front coil springs. easy I use mine every time I lower A foxbody part # mm-mmt8 it will save alot of time and headache

[@ericthecarguy]

I'd look into that but I'm installing coil overs next. ;)

[@billstreber5194]

EricTheCarGuy that took care of my question I was going to ask about coilovers LOL

[@billstreber5194]

EricTheCarGuy question number 2 is this the old K member that you had gotten were the wheelbase in the front was too far forward and you were going to change it out?

[@sinspot]

I have used the tool for maximum also on my foxbody and it works very slick.

[@nik12937]

I'm pretty sure this is the old K member. I'd imagine the new one will go in with the coil overs.

[@nathan4919]

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

[@Cmlumley123]

He did that.. lol

[@LasseHuhtala]

Hey Eric, have you ever snapped at Brian and told him to put his camera down and help you? :-) (Man, 10 seconds after i write the comment you politely ask him.. :-))

[@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!

[@Rotttman]

If you would have said fuck a few times it would have helped!

[@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.

[@musthavechannel5262]

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

[@mucha667]

Read this at the moment that sound started

[@TheMentalblockrock]

Why didn't you just use a couple of spring compressors??? Would have saved all that struggle.

[@Birdpolitics]

As he said in the video, it wouldn't fit.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

The ones I've got would. you would only need to lightly compress the springs, then locate the strut. Saves all that grief with the jack and pry bar.

[@bluelightfox]

For what it's worth, the struggle was due to the rubber sleeve catching on the "tray" into which the spring will seat. The pry bar and hammer were indirectly cutting through the rubber. Had he started from a better angle, the rubber sleeve would've slid into place as "easily" as the other side. Of course, as you said, a spring compressor would've avoided this problem altogether.

[@InternetDude]

Why didn't you paint that freshly drilled hole so it doesn't rust? Only takes an extra 30 seconds...

[@wobblysauce]

When the rest is in there, the weight will make it easy to change the plates, or spray.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 💯💢😜😂🍀🥦🙏💪😎👍🦊🐎

[@NickiLasse]

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

[@stevenquigley4208]

wow Eric. lol post the unedited version. I am sure a prybar or 2 was tossed. i would have.. anyway. seems that the Control Arm pivot angle was also working against you. did you consider attaching the Strut completely, remove the CA Bolts, place the Spring in the Bucket, and jacking the Arm into place with the Jacket on the Bucket, then replacing the Bolts?? Steve

[@roygustafson7729]

But Eric.. that Jack though 💪😎👍😁🤣🤣🤔😜 just a couple squirts of white lithium grease Buddy please 🥺lol

[@LeadingEdgeHD]

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!

[@Xmorgotx]

Compress the springs with your "fancy" spring compressor and tie the spring with the heavy duty straps. 3-4 is enough to hold even the cargo springs. www.shoppa.ee/i/wlul/products/186x186/1/3/5/3/1353825_koormarihm-5m-lukustiga.jpg

[@tiberiusclaudiusnerogermanicis]

can you upload an uncensored version? I'm pretty sure like me in those situations you probably invented some new swear words hahaha. I felt for you there. I was even getting angry with you. just exactly how I react when things go wrong.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@PoorManMods]

Front coil springs on Foxs are a som bitch

[@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

[@NebukedNezzer]

driving a 55 chevrolet and a 55 ford without power steering. The ford would steer easier at low speed but lacked the hight speed stability. Caster angle specs for ford were less than chevrolet. When we started using radial tires. it got harder to park without power steering. A car with a lot of caster will raise up in front when you turn the steering wheel while parked. More caster makes the car want to straighten out and run straight if you let go the wheel. I like power steering and enough caster.

[@b.hagedash7973]

Origin of Psycho shower scene sound revealed.

[@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.

[@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. :]

[@HopTzop]

You're doing it wrong! Well I don't know how this should've been done, but someone had to say it, it's what you want to read here, right?

[@LinuxGalore]

good to know I'm not the only one with nutdrop disease.

[@kendo411]

people think dropping hardware on the floor is just plain being clumsy when its actually part of the installation process lol

[@nik12937]

I always drop my sockets in engine bays. Every time I pray to hear the sound of the socket hitting the floor.

[@Kickinpony66]

I've been "testing gravity" for the past few month's... It still works!

[@SonicCB]

Nutdrop, Bolt-bobble, Tool-tumble, and Spontaneous-Unexplained Bleeding syndrome are all necessary parts of working on a car.

[@youaregoingtolovethis]

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

[@rogmags6337]

all I'm saying is that theres a reason that theres a hole in the lower spring perch ... ingredients: 6in bolt, a nut, and a flat bar with a hole in it big enough for the bolt

[@nknasi]

14:03 it's like you're shooting a horror movie!

[@treeking9445]

CHYNA Don't worry I have a feeling someone is sorting that out for you.

[@mblake0420]

paint the hole dummy, talk about rust, thats asking for it

[@mblake0420]

fuzzy wuzzy what lmao

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

Why is the best place to use a pry bar also the place where there is nothing to pry against!!!

[@Odd_Redneck]

mcm used zip ties to compress a coil...

[@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.

[@dB_944]

That is exactly why I couldn't do this for a living!

[@tecklenburgvw6450]

What style of spring compressor did you try to use? I was cringing when you busted out the duel wielding pry bars. ;)

[@danyd7478]

s it just me or did the jack sound like the shower scene in Psycho.

[@HsCSpanky]

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

[@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 !

[@nathanbrodeur]

Standing on the bumper like that is a do as I say not as I do moment

[@Brandk4rr]

Made in America is not a proof of quality. to hold a competition against China usually American-produced things are much worse because of the manufacturing cost. I rather buy medium-expensive products from Asia than the more expensive part of the United States, same shit... Lets the hate beginn

[@Dragonfabb]

You can't put a price on freedom MERICA

[@Zarkdx97]

you should use a spring compressor it will be easy installing springs

[@ericthecarguy]

There's no room.

[@Zarkdx97]

EricTheCarGuy i see

[@Dragonfabb]

round two lol

[@cornishsean1]

Did you even watch the video till the end ?

[@Zarkdx97]

Mr Cornwall i did 😂😂

[@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.

[@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

[@chaleorta]

LMR sells a tool to help with coil spring install.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Those types of springs setup are always a PIA! Any idea when your next meet up at your shop going to be? Somebody might recognize me there lol

[@cent31119]

Why not weld the ball joints in? JK, lol

[@mandroid3219]

For some reason I found this hilarious.

[@DennisNedryisStillAlive]

Then you're a sadist lol

[@MrCube17]

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

[@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 "

[@ZAMsChannel]

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

[@Harrythepot]

Airbag comment made me laugh out loud

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Why are some giving you a hard time about not doing a repair video? This is just as pertinent in a mechanic's knowledge whether it's an upgrade or a repair. :)

[@8BellsBrewing]

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

[@mindthependulum6245]

you use the Alfred Hitchcock floor jack!

[@RatchetTownUSAx]

Are u sure the plates are on the right side... They are left & right side specific

[@CreateYourWorth]

I used Maximum Motorsports CC plates and didn't have trouble with hole alignment. Wonder what brand these are? SVE?

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

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

[@Asdayasman]

Eric, do you ever swear?

[@aussiebloke609]

+Asdayasman #EditPro. :-)

[@MicraHakkinen]

22:35 looks like he's about ready to ;)

[@Daniel-ct3ds]

Asdayasman came to comment the same thing. if this were me I would have to hire an editor to add in all the "bleeps".

[@Asdayasman]

+Daniel Sweet I've been saying "gosh", "golly", and "goodness" ironically, recently. I'm notoriously foul-mouthed; no word is off-limits, making it quite amusing to hear me say something as tame as "gosh". Thing is, I've been doing it for long enough that they're no longer ironic; and I'm jumping to "goodness gosh and darn!" About as often as I'm jumping to "what the fuck kind of shit is this, holy fuck".

[@Daniel-ct3ds]

Asdayasman I hear ya. I'm an industrial mechanic at a paper mill where it's always loud and we had hearing protection , I'm constantly cursing and can barely hear my self curse. sometimes I bring it home with me with out realising and now my wife has a potty mouth.

[@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.

[@gereral1_jackofalltrades]

could he have not used spring compressors or not enough room?

[@carslover3509]

coil spring compresser

[@ericthecarguy]

Watch the entire video please.

[@charleshollow5734]

Is this the K member you're NOT using?

[@TRX450RVlogger]

No, if I remember correctly the other one was not a Tubed.

[@lilmanjeeps]

That's all I was thinking this whole time.

[@TRX450RVlogger]

Sprint316 Yupp.

[@garyclemons1129]

good job keep up the good work

[@pudgieperalta]

Had me on edge...good job Eric 💪🏽

[@WilliamGreenlee]

BUY THE SPECIAL TOOL ($22) available from Late Model Resto (lmr.com) for front spring installation on these cars (lmr.com/item/MM-MMT8/Maximum-Motorsports-79-04-Mustang-Front-Spring-Installation-Tool). It holds the spring in place as you raise the A arm. Unbolt the knuckle from the strut, not the strut from the body. You can use a spring compressor for the first inch to help get the spring onto the special tool (you'll see what I mean) and then you'll have to immediately remove the compressor for the rest of the A arm raise (as others stated, it will not fit). Factory manuals will state to use an internal spring compressor, I was not able to get my hands on an internal one and the cheap special tool works great.

[@AaronAverett]

It looks like maybe you could get one of those scissor type spring compressors in there, with the hinge part pointed kinda forward and out. Does the shop manual not say how this is supposed to be done, or is it just that your tubular subframe is totally different from the stock one? Edit: Awesome video, though. I've said it before and I'll say it again; ETCG, as a show, is at its best when you actually get dirty and wrestle a grubby part onto something.

[@mikeyzedify]

I felt so stressed for you

[@AaronsAutomotive]

its a bit of a hack type job with how i did it lowering springs on my 82 chevy c30, but.... i cant fit a spring compressor between my control arms, so i use one outside the vehicle. than took bailing twine and tied many wraps from the second coil loop to the second last loop. with like 50 feet of it. tied a tight knot than slowly loosened the coil compressors, it held and worked a charm, and was easy to do. althou as a disclaimer for others reading this. *** I can not guarantee that it will work, nor can a guarantee that it will be safe and to use at your own risk***

[@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!