whirring noise from drivers side front

[joey71]

I have a 95 with a 3.0 140000 on it -- not too many problems with it just changed the alternator last week but now that it is cold and its starting to show its age here comes the problems.

Anywho, came out of the restaraunt with my two boys and put the darn thing in gear and a nice grinding noise -- at first it sounded (felt) like a brake pad was stuck. The "whirring" noise gets louder as you accelerate and obvioulsy slows when moving slower. I do want to point out that it is not a bad as a grinding noise but it was definetly metal to metal-- like a smooth surface grinding--- does that make sense?? I hope so!!!

Iam guessing that it may be a wheel bearing, however it is dark and I have no light nor garage to pull the car into, to take a look tonight.
I will be pulling the tire off in the morning for more clarity of the freaking damage.

[joey71]

Got the tire taken off and this is the surprise I get-- A sprung spring!!
Where in the world do I start on this project?? Take strut out and replace spring since I have it out take care of the strut also-- What else do I not notice??