Changing 1988 front springs (Page 1/2) cam-a-lot JUN 30, 07:22 AM Hello I used the search function, but am wondering if anyone can point me to a link on step by step directions on changing the front springs on an 88 Doesn't look too bad, but I would like to see if there are any tricks or tips to make it easier (I am not very strong mechanically and don't want to screw it up). My car has drop springs that are too low and the ride is very harsh- And I plan to replace the front springs with a new set of drop springs from TFS. Thanks! Peter olejoedad JUN 30, 08:16 AM 88's with drop springs are relatively easy. !!!!!Caution- this job can be dangerous! Be aware there is tension on the spring when disassembling and reassembling and be sure to retain the spring with strapping!!!!! After jacking up the car and removing the wheel, support the lower control arm with a jack. Remove the shock. Remove sway bar end link from lower control arms. Loosen the upper and lower ball joint shaft nut. Use a spreader tool (goes between the ends of the ball joint shafts, expands to push the ball joint shafts apart and break them free from the knuckle) to break the knuckle free. Remove ball joint shaft nuts. Raise the upper control arm up to remove from ball joint, then lift knuckle off of lower ball joint. Retain spring to suspension with nylon webbing from a rachet strap to keep it from popping out of spring pockets. Lower the jack under the control arm. The spring should now be detensioned, as the lowering springs are short enough to almost fall out. You may need to use a pry bar to disengage the bottom of the spring from the LCA spring pocket. Remove spring from top spring pocket. Remove upper spring pad for reclocking during installation of new springs. Check to see if your bump stop has been removed or shortened. It's a triangular rubber pad mounted to the LCA. Reinstallation of new springs is also pretty easy. Be sure to get the spring properly clocked to the LCA spring pocket. Seat the top of the spring (with pad) in the upper spring pocket first. Retain the spring with strapping Push the bottom of the spring over the hump on the LCA, being sure it is clocked to the pocket. Install the knuckle onto lower ball joint shaft, raise jack to compress spring and reattach upper ball joint shaft into the knuckle. J Gunsett JUN 30, 09:03 AM Here is how I did mine, look about 3/4 down the page: http://www.frontiernet.net/~jgunsett/OddsEnds.html Remember safety first. You are dealing with a spring that has a lot of energy in it when it is compressed. If things do not look right, stop and think if there is a safer way. Jack cam-a-lot JUN 30, 10:44 AM Thanks gents ! Much appreciated I do have access to the spring compression tool and I do realize it can take my head off, so I will be careful Much appreciated !! Patrick JUN 30, 11:19 AM quote Originally posted by cam-a-lot: My car has drop springs that are too low and the ride is very harsh- And I plan to replace the front springs with a new set of drop springs from TFS. quote Originally posted by olejoedad: 88's with drop springs are relatively easy. I agree, re & re of shortened springs is easy-peasy. As long as the front of the car is raised enough to allow the LCA to swing down as far as necessary, IMO a spring compressor won't even be required. olejoedad JUN 30, 11:33 AM An externally attached spring compressor will not work, it must be an internal type. cam-a-lot JUL 02, 10:19 AM Can someone please post a link to an internally mounted spring compressor ? Looks like I only have an external one and can't seem to find such a thing on the web. Larryinkc JUL 02, 10:31 AM https://www.ebay.com/itm/12...1:g:POQAAOSwRNRbK0v4 css9450 JUL 02, 11:40 AM quote Originally posted by Larryinkc: https://www.ebay.com/itm/12...1:g:POQAAOSwRNRbK0v4 Will that actually work on our cars? I've looked at that model (or similar) and could never make up my mind if it would fit of not (obviously the shock has to be taken out first). I bought new FS lowering springs a decade ago and they're still in the box because I didn't want to give up halfway if I can't get the old springs out. Patrick JUL 02, 01:00 PM quote Originally posted by css9450: I bought new FS lowering springs a decade ago and they're still in the box because I didn't want to give up halfway if I can't get the old springs out. Trust me... once the LCA is lowered enough, the factory springs will want to come out of there! Just make sure you've restrained them somewhat with a chain or strong rope for safety reasons.