Coilspring compressors

[tjrubicon]

I was wondering what would be a good tool brand for a spring compressor. I plan on putting my lift on myself, but I don't have a compressor or the money to have a shop do it. I've checked ebay, and some of the tools for this job look pretty darned scary...couple hooks, a single bolt. just doesn't look safe to me.

[jmbrowning]

Rent from an autoparts store, AutoZone, Kragen, etc. Then you can sue them when it breaks and shatters your jaw. Have fun and keep safe. Prob not worth the cash to buy for a single lift and obviates the liability associated with selling something like this later on.

[goodtimes]

Spring compressor? naw...just let the axle droop far enough to pull them out. That's what I did with my lift....

[loop choke]

Either of these will work. I used the compressor on mine so I didn't have to disconnect the steering from the axle. Your choice......

Jason

[tjrubicon]

I had thought about letting the axle droop, like I did when I put my coil spacers on. The only problem was that it didn't quite droop far enough to slide the springs back in. I had to have someone step on the axle to push it down farther and manually compress the springs about a 1/2 inch. Thought my poor back was gonna fall apart afterward. Talk about a major PITA or actually in my back.

[Jerry Bransford]

With only a 2" spacer lift, the springs should have gone back in fairly easily. Did you disconnect both the shocks and antiswaybar links so the axle could droop down sufficiently? I never needed a spring compressor until I got to over 4" of suspension lift height.

[tjrubicon]

Yep, removed both front shocks and disconnected the sway bar. I think my biggest problem was my stands....they're just not tall enough. The tires were about 1/4 inch from the ground with the stands set at the highest point. I have a 4 inch lift, and unless I get some taller stands, I'm definately gonna need a spring compressor.

[Jerry Bransford]

I'd just get taller, like 6-ton, jackstands. Spring compressors are a real PITA.

[mikeythefireman]

Don't waste your dough buying them. Rent them. I hear ya with the spine thing. I just shove 3 inch springs on and they were cranky and a PITA to fit. My spacers were pretty easy though, don't know why you'd have a prob. Good luck.