How To Suspension :: MCS Spring Install How-To (with big pics)
#55
07-14-2006, 05:50 PM
When I replaced my stock springs with M7 Sport springs Wednesday nite I had no problem removing the driver's side front strut assembly to replace the spring without removing any 'extra' parts. However, the passenger side was a bear. I finally had to compress the spring to get enough of a gap to get the bottom of the strut out of the clamp.
A pair of ratcheting strap (tiedowns) worked extremely well for this task and gave me enough clearance to manuever the strut out of the carrier. Once the shorter springs were installed I had not problems putting both back in place. The straps also made the spring compression to take the tension off of the top plates very easy. A pair of straps in the shortest length you can find is only about 1/2 the price of threaded spring compressors and you don't run into clearance problems. I wish I'd taken pics but I was on a mission to get them done by 11 PM
A pair of ratcheting strap (tiedowns) worked extremely well for this task and gave me enough clearance to manuever the strut out of the carrier. Once the shorter springs were installed I had not problems putting both back in place. The straps also made the spring compression to take the tension off of the top plates very easy. A pair of straps in the shortest length you can find is only about 1/2 the price of threaded spring compressors and you don't run into clearance problems. I wish I'd taken pics but I was on a mission to get them done by 11 PM
#56
07-17-2006, 05:31 PM
Originally Posted by FUEGO
When I replaced my stock springs with M7 Sport springs Wednesday nite I had no problem removing the driver's side front strut assembly to replace the spring without removing any 'extra' parts. However, the passenger side was a bear. I finally had to compress the spring to get enough of a gap to get the bottom of the strut out of the clamp.
A pair of ratcheting strap (tiedowns) worked extremely well for this task and gave me enough clearance to manuever the strut out of the carrier. Once the shorter springs were installed I had not problems putting both back in place. The straps also made the spring compression to take the tension off of the top plates very easy. A pair of straps in the shortest length you can find is only about 1/2 the price of threaded spring compressors and you don't run into clearance problems. I wish I'd taken pics but I was on a mission to get them done by 11 PM
A pair of ratcheting strap (tiedowns) worked extremely well for this task and gave me enough clearance to manuever the strut out of the carrier. Once the shorter springs were installed I had not problems putting both back in place. The straps also made the spring compression to take the tension off of the top plates very easy. A pair of straps in the shortest length you can find is only about 1/2 the price of threaded spring compressors and you don't run into clearance problems. I wish I'd taken pics but I was on a mission to get them done by 11 PM
#57
07-29-2006, 02:22 PM
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#58
08-14-2006, 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by polizei
Any tiedowns will work. You can pick them up at Home Depot, Lowes, Pep Boys, etc. They are just normal rachet straps used to hold down ATV's, Boats, etc. 
#59
08-14-2006, 03:11 PM
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When I saw Randy Webb do a spring install he didn’t use ANY tie downs or spring compressors. All he did was to lean on the springs and remove the nuts. When it was time to install the new springs all he did was to have Brian push down on the spring so he could get the nut started.
I’m not saying this would be the recommended way to do a spring swap but it appeared that there was not much tension on the springs so any good size tie wrap should be more then strong enough to use.
I’m not saying this would be the recommended way to do a spring swap but it appeared that there was not much tension on the springs so any good size tie wrap should be more then strong enough to use.
#60
08-16-2006, 10:50 PM
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#61
08-17-2006, 05:33 AM
For the MINI, once the struts are off the vehicle, springs can be removed without a spring compressor tool. Putting stock springs on is more difficult and it helps to have someone else lean on the top hat while the nut is started; shorter springs are easier still, coilovers are a breeze. Physical capabilities or limitations should be considered before attempting tool-less spring compression; this is not an endorsement.
I tried it one time alone and it convinced me to rent a hook & bolt type spring compressor for the next install; that install encouraged me to purchase a free standing spring compressor, the most convenient way to change springs by far.
A method for retaining spring compression while the driver’s side strut (some find the passenger side harder) is on the vehicle will still be needed, unless you are the fortunate few that don’t require this procedure. Be prepared with either endless loop tie-downs, strong zip-ties, or the stick (post #48).
I tried it one time alone and it convinced me to rent a hook & bolt type spring compressor for the next install; that install encouraged me to purchase a free standing spring compressor, the most convenient way to change springs by far.
A method for retaining spring compression while the driver’s side strut (some find the passenger side harder) is on the vehicle will still be needed, unless you are the fortunate few that don’t require this procedure. Be prepared with either endless loop tie-downs, strong zip-ties, or the stick (post #48).
#62
08-17-2006, 05:49 AM
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#63
08-22-2006, 08:17 PM
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#65
09-02-2006, 11:58 PM
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