Trouble installing front spring on 1996 4x4 Ranger - is a spring compressor needed?

[sebastian323]

Hello, I am installing a set of leveling springs (+1.5 inches) on my 1996 4x4 Ranger. I currently have managed to extract the old spring. However, I am having trouble slipping the new springs in. So far I have removed the shocks, the sway bar end links, the old coil spring, and the tie rod ball joints. Do I need a spring compressor to install the new springs, or can I remove more parts from the suspension and compress the spring with my car jack?

update: I successfully got the springs in. I used a combination of a spring compressor and having a friend step on the hub lockers to bring the control arm down. I used the spring compressor just to get the spring roughly in place, and then removed the compressors to fully install them.

 

[Shran]

I have someone stand on the lockout hub and push down as far as possible. That should easily give you enough room for a 1.5" lift spring... if you don't have a helper you could use a big pipe or something wedged between the frame and axle to push down while you slip the spring in.

 

[sebastian323]

I have someone stand on the lockout hub and push down as far as possible. That should easily give you enough room for a 1.5" lift spring... if you don't have a helper you could use a big pipe or something wedged between the frame and axle to push down while you slip the spring in.

okay . right now I am only one person so I may have to go the pipe route. I will give it a shot when I get home from work. You think a spring compressor will work as I do have that one one hand.

 

[Curious Hound]

Loosening the nut at the end of the radius arm might allow it to flex a little bit easier. But you should be able to get it with the ideas mentioned above.

 

[sebastian323]

I succesfully got the springs in. I used a combination of a spring compressor and having a friend step on the hub lockers to bring the control arm down. I used the spring compressor just to get the spring roughly in place, and then removed the compressors to fully install them.