Springs

[hondas hate me]

OK I just got some Intrax lowering springs and this one probe guy told me i could just unbolt the big bolt on top of the strut and jack up the sub frame put a jack stand on the body and let the sub frame back down, then he said it would free up the spring so i could take it out and throw in the intrax? I seriously dont think it will work at all.:hpoop: does anyone know if this would work?



also wich struts would you recomend? i just want a strut that will work with my springs and something sporty but wount make me feel all the little bumps on road trips.

Thank you guys

 

[strings1732]

Don't do that... It's not safe and you have to remove the strut anyway to install the new one. Go rent a spring compressor from your local parts store and do it the right way. Autozone and checkers rent tools for the price of a deposit. You get all your money back when you return it.

Also meant to say, The tokico struts are what you would need. get them on ebay.

 

[hondas hate me]

ok ill just do it regular.... iam going to have to hold out on the springs and struts b/c i just broke my motor mount and thats going to be a little pricey for me. also do you think i should pay a mechanic to instal the springs and struts since i dont know how to do them at all or should i just give it a shot on my own? iam kindawhen it comes to suspenshion

Thanks

 

[strings1732]

Get a manual. read the instructions and see if you think you can do it. I have no idea about your mechanical skills but with some time, you could most likely do it.

 

[Minnesho]

it really isnt that bad to install yoru own. make sure you have the proper tools to do so.... macpherson strut spring compressot (the ones that clamp on the outside of the springs.) I bought mine from Snap-on, for $55 but I know Matco sells one for $39, or if you dont want to own the tool just rent one like mentioned above. also have a good set of metric sockets, you will need larger ones for suspension parts like 21mm for the strut pinch bolt, and 29mm for the axle retainer nut. take your time and do it right, like mentioned above read a manual and make sure you understand before you do it an you'll have no probs. Also remember you'll need an alignment afterwards.

I'm about to do the Tokico/Intrax myself both have lifetime warranties.

 

[yamahaSHO]

Chris,
Just go to Auto Zone and get their loaner spring compressors. They are actually pretty decent and it is the safter way to do it.

 

[hondas hate me]

ok cool thaks you guys.

ooh and jason how hard is it to replace the motor mounts. i broke one but i figured it would be best just to replace both with new ones.

it seems like its way to hard for me. so i have been thinking just to let ford do them. Unless you want to help........LOL

 

[Axianator]

Chris,

IMO, a motor mount job is definitely no harder than the spring and strut job that you're already thinking of undertaking. For a better idea of what's involved, have a look at the on-line Chilton's reference here:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/0b/f3/a4/0900823d800bf3a4.jsp

Note that even though it is not listed as a step in the listing for the 3.2L, you may have to drain your radiator and remove the lower radiator hose in order to gain enough clearance to access the front mount on your ATX. I did not go this route when replacing the front mount on my ATX about a month ago and ended up wishing that I had by the time that I was finished. Depending on how cunning and suave you are with your hands, you may not have to go through this extra step; at a minimum, though, I thought I'd give you a little heads-up so there aren't any surprses when you get under there.

As far as mount replacements go, you have three brand options:

- OEM/factory: these mounts, while the most expensive of the bunch, are better than any non-modified aftermarket replacement you can find and are well worth the money. Your best source for these would be Ford Parts Network, whose catalog listing can be found here:

http://www.parts.com/partlocator/in...=1995&graphicID=JN92127&callout=1&catalogid=2

- Pioneer mounts: available through RockAuto.com and most O'Reilly's parts stores, these mounts should be avoided like the plague. I made the mistake of going with this brand last October when purchasing replacements for all three of my factory-original mounts and ended up with a front mount that had sheared itself completely apart only 10k miles later (details of this will be posted in a seperate thread at some point in the near future). Needless to say, I will not be purchasing another front ATX mount of the Pioneer flavor.

- Anchor mounts: while I do not have any personal experience with these mounts to speak of, I have read of other forum members who have had pretty good success with these mounts on their ATX's. Even so, I would still advise extreme caution with these mounts and recommend that you double-check both their strength and construction before you plop your cash down on the counter to purchase them. Available through RockAuto.com and most AutoZone stores.

I should note that the above is just my two cents based on personal experience. Your (actual) mileage may vary.

 

[hondas hate me]

ok cool thanks this helps a lot. do you know if the ford performance specilists front and rear reinforced motor mounts are good? thats what i was looking into buying

 

[Axianator]

ok cool thanks this helps a lot. do you know if the ford performance specilists front and rear reinforced motor mounts are good? thats what i was looking into buying

Unfortunately, since I've never seen or had any experience with Doug's mounts, I can't really comment on them. However, given Doug's very good reputation and customer service, I sincerely doubt you would be disappointed by going with one of his mounts.