More Foxbody; Change Front Springs Without Disconnecting Tie Rod

I'm changing the front springs in my Foxbody; the old one came out fine bit the new ones are about an inch longer.

The control arm won't quite go down far enough. 

In the videos I watched they still had the tie rod end connected but it seems to be limiting the travel.

Anyone do this without disconnecting the tie rod end???

In reply to Tom1200 :

I've always disconnected the tie rod on mine. 

I suppose with a short spring you might be able to do it, but I've never had any luck.

Stupid question, but can you WIND the spring into the opening by starting the open end of the spring into the spring perch?

FWIW

In reply to RacingComputers :

Good idea but not an option. 

I took my stock springs out one time. I couldn't get them back in. I tried two different styles of spring compressors and neither worked for me. 

I don't remember the tie rods being a problem on my 92.  Just loosen the nut, separate with a hammer or separator tool, tighten back up after changing the springs.

Maybe an internal coil spring compressor?

In reply to Noddaz :

I did manage to get the tie rod to break loose (bigger hammer) and I was just barely able to get the spring back in.  I used the strut spring compressors spaced at 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock. Thankfully the previous owner has the spring installation tool mounted in there; otherwise it would be a real bear.

Now I just need to reassemble everything.

Did you unbolt the strut or pop the ball joint off?

I've always popped the ball joint.  Springs broke all the time on this chassis when they were just used cars, so I got a lot of practice.  

I saw a Mustang ragazine detail changing springs by unbolting the bushings from the K member.  Seemed like easier for spring installation but how the hell do you line the bolts back up?

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

I involved the strut.

I got a quote from the shop I use for stuff I don't want to do.......he quoted me $400.

It's a not hard but it's a fiddly job........but given how cheap I am I decided to suck it up.

Thanks for the update!!!!

Got it all done and took it for a test drive.

It rides so much better now that it's not slammed in the front.