shocking advice.

[73stallion]

if it bounces real easy, you probably just need shocks. coil spring suspension does bounce easy when there's no resistance. put a couple of shocks on and see what happens.

 

[TexasBronco]

nope - maybe he would, but it is not needed.

I made 20 bucks off my friend cause he kept yelling up a storm I would need a spring compressor to remove my springs....well if done right its not needed.

 

[76Broncofromhell]

This mechanic sounds like a real a-hole. You don't need a spring compressor to install springs! The shocks are also easy to put in. I can pull my springs and shocks out and put them back in under an hour.

Go down and buy some shocks at any autoparts store and you're good.

 

[SaddleUp]

ya, besides the noise, which sounds like a gorilla in heat, it bounces really easy, as if there is no resistance at all. let me ask you this, is there more tension on the spring while its compressed or when its hanging. In other words, should i loosen the bolts with the spring is squished or droopy?

You could probably get by loosening with them compressed but it will be hard to get the bolts lose as there will be no room to get in to them. I raise the vehicle enough to release the tension off them but not enough that they start hanging. If they are hanging then you might bruise a finger if it happens to be in them when the front axle drops off. Check the tech article here for tips on reinstalling. That top bracket can be a royal pain if it doesn't line up right. Playing with the spring (I.E. Turning it in the spring cup) will usually line it up better to make it easier to get the top bracket on.

On the actual problem. It actually sounds like shocks if the front bounces around. Rule of thumb is bounce the corner, if it bounces more than once before it stops it needs new shocks.

 

[sstlaure]

I've removed and replaced 5.5" coils just by jacking the front end up by the frame, and removing the front tires to let the axle droop down far enough. Sounds like shocks to me though. (If your truck was sagging L/R or Front/Back, I'd say the springs relaxed.) Replace the shocks first.

 

[YelloTx73]

ANother vote for no compressor. I've done this a few times with no help from a compressor and no problems at all. I bet the mechanic was just hoping he could pull some wool over your eyes and make some extra pocket change.

 

[Socal Tom]

You don't need a spring compressor, you NEED a new mechanic. He thinks he's working on a front wheel drive POS. He clearly doesn't know anything about 4x4s. Go somewhere else.
Tom

 

[daddyg]

$250 for replacing the springs probably isn't too out of line, with Labor and all. Sounds pricey for just replacing the shocks though, unless he's offering highend shocks which I doubt. But you surely don't need a spring compressor for changing shocks and you really don't need one for changing the springs. I do all the work on my Bronco, I never carry it to the shop unless it's for tires. Now if I could only mount and balance tires at home I would be set.

 

[77TexasBronc]

Never used a spring compressor and have change many sets. As already mentioned all you need to do is jack it up and place jack stands under the front frame rails and removing the front tires to let the axle droop down far enough.

My biggest concern is a worn out spring is only going to sag or show signs of bad handling on the street. "Not make a noisy like a mating gorilla". The noise is something else either a shock or something internal even like wheel bearings. How does your bronco drive and how long has it been since things like the wheel bearings checked or cleaned.

It sounds like some preventive maintenance needs to be done and your best bet is going to be to go pick yourself up a good Chilton’s service manual and Enjoy