Is this a neccessary tool?

[Dne']

I had seen this in my shop manual. I have been a little worried when I put my stang on my lift and the wheels drop down pretty far~ just worried that I may be damaging my rack n pinion. What would be the purpose of this support or whatever it is? oh, the photo is not of my mustang, mine suspension is all shiny n new!
dne'

 

[Horseplay]

Seems like it would pretty simple to make and sure a lot better than the random stuff I seem to use to support mine!

 

[JeffTepper]

I suspect that the tool is intended to keep the coil spring/upper contol arm compressed while R&R'ing the ball joints/spindle. If you were to remove the coil spring as part of whatever you are doing to the front suspension, this tool would be unnecessary.

 

[2ndgen]

I had seen this in my shop manual. I have been a little worried when I put my stang on my lift and the wheels drop down pretty far~ just worried that I may be damaging my rack n pinion. What would be the purpose of this support or whatever it is?

That tool allows you to replace the lower control arm and possibly the spindle itself without having to remove the coil springs.

If I am going to leave the car on jackstands for extended periods of time I usually undo the top of the shocks as it does stress them a bit; this tool would eliminate the need to do that...

As far as your suspension and steering goes, it should not bind or be stressed by full extension - if your rack is fighting the coil springs it is not designed correctly IMO.

Good luck,
-Rory

 

[Dne']

Well, it looked kind of like a neat thing, but I've gone this far without it~ thanks for the comments! :wor

 

[The Kid]

A block of wood works as well.

 

[KBMWRS]

I just had Craig put his head in there. :sarc :roll