So I broke down and grabbed a great deal on a set of Steeda Ultralights, now the fun part. The rears look pretty easy, but I've heard many ways on how to replace the fronts. I ran across the following on the net:

"You don't even need a spring compressor to do the fronts. Get the car high enough and support the lower control arm (where the bottom of the shock mounts) with a floor jack. Take off the the big nut that holds the shock to the upper mount and leave the 4 small nuts alone. Then slowly lower the jack to release the spring tension. I saw it done on horsepower tv when they did the GT to Roush conversion. I watched it numerous times and it looks simple."

So the question is has anyone knocked it out this way, or should I stick with the tried and true method with a compressor?

 

While it is technically possible, you risk damaging your upper strut mounts by loosing the ball bearings if the two halves of the mount separate. Also, there is a LOT of spring tension on the fronts and I'd have some safety concerns. I have the FRPP K-Springs and I did NOT need a compressor for the re-installation of them. Using a spring compressor is very easy and safe if you read the instructions and take your time.

Check out TMS's TacoBill Install:

Front: http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showpo...35&postcount=2
Rear: http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showpo...18&postcount=1

Also, BigCat on StangNet has a nice install
Here: http://www.stangnet.com/Tech-Article...ll-061222.html

 

I agree its much safer/easier IMO to use the spring compressor. Free rental from autozone

 

it could be done this way, if your replacing your springs its a good idea to replace the strut mounts at the same time anyway (one time use). it doesnt sound like a great idea though. especially reinstalling the new springs i think it would want to squirm around and pop out.