Coil spring compressor???

[backfocus]

Does anyone know where I can get the right kind of spring compressor to remove my front springs. I rented one last night, it was an internal compressor with the hooks on it. The problem I had was that I couldn't get the hook end up through the spring. I had the spring extended as far as I could without it popping out.

Both the haynes and clinton manual I have show a compresser that has metal plates not hooks.

Any Ideas, what do you guys use? I have read about some people taking the control arm bolts loose, instead of using a compresser, but I would rather not do that.

 

[Shakerhood]

I bought the correct style from a tool company, it is VERY good Quality, but it cost over $200. IMHO it was worth every penny!!!

 

[Skoobie]

Although the compressor is the correct way to do it...they are not necessary. Jack the car up. Let the spring decompress as far as the a-arm will allow. Then either pry it out with a bar or kick the a-arm down. With the spring decompressed that much there isnt really enough energy left in them to do any harm.

 

[Shakerhood]

The safest method by far is the use of the correct style spring compressor so that you do not need to make a special visit to the Dentist!

 

[backfocus]

Shaker where did you buy your compressor?

Has anyone made one themselves?

 

[niklid05]

you could make one yourself if you have a threaded rod. If your lazy like me you can get a set of compressors from sears for $40 bucks

 

[Shakerhood]

Shaker where did you buy your compressor?

Has anyone made one themselves?

I bought it last Spring, I am sorry I dont remember the name of the company. I just searched around Google until I found the best price. I am sure you can fab up something, but I would make sure the threaded rod is made of hardend steel. The Compressor I have weighs around 13 Lbs. it is VERY heavy duty and makes you feel comfortable using it knowing nothing is going to fly apart.

 

[facemelter71]

ill have to stick with just jacking the car up and letting the control arm sag, if the spring has been in there for some time itll be a little hard to get out but there is no energy left in it after arm is lowered as far as possible.just pry it out.i lowered my car in my drive way with hand tools a jack and a jackstand.

 

[bubba-dough]

I made my own with threaded stock, steel plates, a couple of nuts and a welder. But then again we have everything to do anything at the plant. Getting the spring out is easy without the compressor. Its the getting them back in that you need the compressor for. Good luck.