Help-- what to do first!!!

[joey71]

This is a 95 3.0 with around a 140,000 on it.
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??

It would be great if someone could point me in the direction of an illustration of how to get this abortion apart-- I cant say that it looks familiar!!

[wrightz28]

OH that looks all too familiar. I wouldn't even bother trying to save the strut and get a complete "loaded" assembly strut/spring/bearing. Might seem the pricier way to go up front, bu tin the long run you will save yourself time and money, plus the inherent danger factor of trying to manipulate a spring in that condition.

Oh, and soak the lower pinch bolt generously!!!

[way2old]

Also contact your local Ford dealer. They had a recall on the spring mounts. Call them and give your VIN and see if the recall affects your vehicle. Or if you want, send me a PM or e mail and I will check it for you. Need all 17 sigits. Good luck. Also as wright stated, the struts are available as one piece.

[mwt47]

There is a very good chance that Ford will pay for it.

You don't say what year but there is definately a TSB on it. They will check it and if it isn't broken they will put a shield on it so when it does break it doesn't take out the tire. If it is broken they will replace them.

Only certain years though even though it affects more years than Ford wants to admit.

Mike