Changing Struts....Do I need a spring compression tool??

[jcoulter]

I'm in the middle of changing the front struts on my 02 EB. Is a compression spring tool needed to change these out? I seem to remember someone saying that it was a 10 minute job. Have a feeling it was an older Exp though. Any other advice is appreciated.

 

[blitzk]

Yes...

 

[Heavymentill]

This is one of the most POTENTIALLY dangerous jobs you can do on your vehical. Make sure you know exactly what you are doing, these springs can be like missiles. Alot of parts stores will do this process for you if you purchase the struts from them.

 

[jcoulter]

This is one of the most POTENTIALLY dangerous jobs you can do on your vehical. Make sure you know exactly what you are doing, these springs can be like missiles. Alot of parts stores will do this process for you if you purchase the struts from them.

Thanks. Ended up getting the spring tool. Spent several hours installing the struts into the springs. What a pita. Will never do it again. Now I'm installing the spring/strut combo into the truck. Have the top of it bolted. However, at the bottom, the bolt hole in the strut is hanging 2 inches below the hole on the suspension. In other words, the strut is too low. How do I get them aligned so I can fit the bolt thru?

 

[jakeEXbrown]

Did you ever figure this out? I'm having the same issue.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

use a floor jack to raise the control arm.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

This is one of the most POTENTIALLY dangerous jobs you can do on your vehical. Make sure you know exactly what you are doing, these springs can be like missiles. Alot of parts stores will do this process for you if you purchase the struts from them.

this is mostly myth, the coil don't expand that much to fly or shoot like a rocket. It's still dangerous because you could pinch your fingers if the compressor tool slides off during the compression/uncompression process.

 

[plasticseng]

I think I ended out unbolting the sub-frame on mine and jacking up the frame enough to get the clearance. Of course an alignment is needed afterward.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

I think I ended out unbolting the sub-frame on mine and jacking up the frame enough to get the clearance. Of course an alignment is needed afterward.

for coil-overs an alignment is optional but wouldn't hurt to do so. Unlike struts (or McPherson's) an alignment is a must.

 

[plasticseng]

for coil-overs an alignment is optional but wouldn't hurt to do so. Unlike struts (or McPherson's) an alignment is a must.

Right, but I meant after unbolting the sub-frame. In my case, I had planned on getting an alignment anyway, because it had been a while.

 

[jakeEXbrown]

How do you in boat the sub frame? I've never even heard of a sub frame, I'm curious now

 

[plasticseng]

How do you in boat the sub frame? I've never even heard of a sub frame, I'm curious now

A subframe usually bolts to the bottom of the car and contains all of the front suspension and steering components in one subassembly. I just realized however, that I must be confusing the strut job I did on another vehicle with my Explorer. I'm out of town so I can't look, but I don't believe our Explorers have a subframe, since they are full frame vehicles. Sorry for the confusion.