Installing the transmission tower spring

[Ed in Maine]

I have the tool that consists of three threaded rods, (one has the hook on the end) nuts and a bar with a small pipe welded to it. I have read other posts and Tom Endy's recommendations but I have not been able to find a picture of how I should set up the tool that I have to install the spring.

What is the small pipe used for? Does the bar get fastened to transmission tower? If so, my tool does not have the holes drilled properly. Does the hook fit between spring coils? A picture showing the tool actually compressing the spring would answer all my questions. Thanks, Ed

[Mitch//pa]

Ed,
this does not answer your exact question but this is how i do it.
posted on previous thread
http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108078

[Tom Wesenberg]

I made 3 different shift tower spring installers, each one better than the previous one. Here is the third and best by far. Vince pictured this one years ago and I finally got around to making one about 3 years ago. Just push the spring down and drop in the locking washer, then release.

The pipe and grip came from an exercise machine set out at the curb for free. I cut and silver soldered the washer in place, with a slight angle to match the spring coil angle. I beveled the ends of the cut washer.

[Ed in Maine]

Thank you both for your suggests. The tool I have was a waste of money. Ed

[Stinch]

Ed

I've used the tool that you describe. I'll set it up on a shift tower and post some pictures.

Rich

[Joe K]

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I don't own the tool but have looked on it in envy. Didn't Vince offer these for sale for a while?

I do mine by compressing the spring in a vise - and wiring it in three places to retain the compression. Then assembly to the lever/housing and with a pair of vise-grips to back up the keeper, cut the wires one at a time.

This a job best done with safety glasses AND face shield. In case the grips/keeper slips.

Tool best.

Joe K

[Tom Wesenberg]

Ed, do you have a picture of the tool you have? I just can't figure out what one you have. Here is a picture of the second tool I made to install the springs. The two bolts get tightened into the cover bolt holes and pull the spring down. It's a useable tool, but not near as quick and easy at the green tool I made below it.

[rusty12]

I've done it Joe K's way a couple of times. Easy and worked well for me. Remember the safety glasses just in case!!!

[Mike V. Florida]

I hope this helps as I don't have a tower to mount the tool for pictures.

Originally Posted by Ed in Maine

What is the small pipe used for?
It keeps the threaded rod straight.

Does the bar get fastened to transmission tower?

The bar stands off several inches from the tower. The two outside rods are attached to the tower.

If so, my tool does not have the holes drilled properly. Does the hook fit between spring coils?

Yes, and by turning the nut presses the rod/hook down so the clip can be put into place when the spring is compressed.

A picture showing the tool actually compressing the spring would answer all my questions. Thanks, Ed

[Tom Wesenberg]

In reply #7 I said the white tool was the second tool I made for installing the shift lever spring, but it was the first tool I made. Here is the second tool I made, which was a big improvement, but took much more time to make. As I mentioned earlier, the green tube is the third tool I made and is the best and quickest by far.