Good job installing the lower spring plate. The upper spring plate should have been slipped inside of the top of the spring. The Mandrell would then fit down through the hole and engage both plates this would allow you to see both plates from underneath of the vehicle once compressed you can remove the entire spring very easily and lay it aside. Vito has some great videos on this subject
I'll have to look at my tool again, but I don't think i could get it down that far, the whole in the spring tower was too small. Vito does have good videos on these cars.
The problem is that you would have to grind the tool. I am thinking since I am replacing guide rod mounts, bushings, ball joint,shocks,and lower control arm bushings (which are shot) . With careful work with the jack, I think you could do this.... Pull everything else out of the way, then release spring , fix everything then collapse new spring bolt on the shock then lower it back down onto the plates.... I dont want to cut my compressor tool just yet even though ive watched vitos video a dozen times. Im dreading this rebuild.
Camera control in early part of video is frustrating. Subject is typically out of frame. Appreciate the effort to share though. Note: it is common to have to clearance the hole in the body to better fit the compressor down into the spring. Just be sure to apply touch up paint to avoid rusting later. Note that the bottom plate was not properly seated and made a bang as it seated. Springs are very dangerous !!
HI Have 2 300 both need LCA inner bushing. Wondering can it be done on vehicle. The way you compressed the spring ,real great , may make it possible You Have an mail address, like to chat
The rod that connects under the spring plate is a "Brake strut". It controls braking forces and keeps control arm located during fwd and rev braking. The bushing allows the 2 metal parts to deviate slightly while absorbing vibration. The large bushing at the rear end of the rod to the chassis should be replaced as well. Ideally its best to replace the control arm bushing at this time also, basically all three points since the spring is coming out.
