S-spring (differential) advice/question

[90MarkVII]

I'm will soon replace the clutch pack in my differential. I have read and heard the S-spring can be a PIA to reinstall.
Anybody have any tips on making this part of the job easier?

[91CoupeMike]

Grab it with channel locks squeeze and tap in place with a good size hammer. There are two differant types of 8.8 carriers and s clips. The 03/04 cobra clutches have a larger spring.

[jw33]

get it in place, hold a 2x4 on it, and smack the 2x4 with a hammer. It takes about 10 seconds.

[majorownage]

I used a press for mine. I also soaked my clutch plates in friction modifier for several hours before installing them. They never chattered at all.

[91CoupeMike]

I used a press for mine. I also soaked my clutch plates in friction modifier for several hours before installing them. They never chattered at all.

Suppose to soak overnight, I've never heard any chatter and lol at using a press.

There's some napkins in the kitchen for that derp stain.

[majorownage]

Suppose to soak overnight, I've never heard any chatter and lol at using a press.

There's some napkins in the kitchen for that derp stain.

Lol didn't you say you couldn't get your f150 s-spring in? It took all of 10 seconds to put mine in with a press.

[dee]

Pliers and hammer and it's a lot easier to do with the ring gear removed.

[91CoupeMike]

Lol didn't you say you couldn't get your f150 s-spring in? It took all of 10 seconds to put mine in with a press.

It was the clip from the 03/04 disk kit.

I just tried by hand, when it was 1inch to wide, and contacting the middle of the side gears, I just grabbed my old one and tapped it in with pliers and a hammer.

No press needed.

[greenbullitt]

It was the clip from the 03/04 disk kit.

I just tried by hand, when it was 1inch to wide, and contacting the middle of the side gears, I just grabbed my old one and tapped it in with pliers and a hammer.

No press needed.

thats a truck spring. Its supposed to be that wide, thats why it works

[91CoupeMike]

thats a truck spring. Its supposed to be that wide, thats why it works

I know this already. I didn't realize it's a f150 spring, I'm sure it can be referred to as Cobra spring too.

[greenbullitt]

I know this already. I didn't realize it's a f150 spring, I'm sure it can be referred to as Cobra spring too.

so, why would you reuse your old one? not that it matters, just seems odd to halfway do it

[91CoupeMike]

so, why would you reuse your old one? not that it matters, just seems odd to halfway do it

Was in a hurry, needed my car that day.

I went from using a new style diff which had problems with axles falling out, so I went back to my old original carrier which felt more narrow around the side gears, so instead of fighting it I went the quick way and used the one that matched the carrier. I should have used the bigger spring because my clutches are fried and it one wheel wonders in turns.

[90MarkVII]

Thanks for the replies.
Evidently it's when trying to install the stiffer F-150 spring is when it is the real PIA.
I'll stack the packs a little thicker and keep the stock S-spring.

[greenbullitt]

Thanks for the replies.
Evidently it's when trying to install the stiffer F-150 spring is when it is the real PIA.
I'll stack the packs a little thicker and keep the stock S-spring.

bring it to me, I can do it