Strut/coilover R&R: Spring Compressors - your thoughts
12-14-2005, 09:17 AM
#1
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Strut/coilover R&R: Spring Compressors - your thoughts
So I have two vehicles that are due for new struts/coilovers, my 4Runner and our 94 Accord. Instead of spending a bunch of money to have a shop get the springs on the struts/coilovers so I can install the entire thing, I am thinking about adding another tool to my collection: A spring compressor.
I have heard various things about a tool such as this. I hear they are dangerous if used incorrectly (understandable), and that some are better than others.
What are your experiences with spring compressors? Are they easy to use? I have found a couple external ones that go for around $60. That seems worth it to me. I also have air tools and a ball joint puller, which I hear helps a lot when installing new suspension components.
I want it done right, so I want to do it myself. Any thoughts on this tool/task?
I have heard various things about a tool such as this. I hear they are dangerous if used incorrectly (understandable), and that some are better than others.
What are your experiences with spring compressors? Are they easy to use? I have found a couple external ones that go for around $60. That seems worth it to me. I also have air tools and a ball joint puller, which I hear helps a lot when installing new suspension components.
I want it done right, so I want to do it myself. Any thoughts on this tool/task?
12-14-2005, 09:31 AM
#3
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, I think they do. However, I wouldn't mind having one of my own for $60. I just want to know how dangerous they really are, and the experiences other folks have had with them.
Here is one on Amazon: Spring Compressor
Here is one on Amazon: Spring Compressor
12-14-2005, 09:36 AM
#4
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by <96 Runner>
Yeah, I think they do. However, I wouldn't mind having one of my own for $60. I just want to know how dangerous they really are, and the experiences other folks have had with them.
Here is one on Amazon: Spring Compressor
Here is one on Amazon: Spring Compressor
12-14-2005, 06:53 PM
#5
Registered User
Originally Posted by Localmotion
I used them on my coil springs (OME 881s) and the broke off and hit me 4 inches about the "treasure" We did use an impact gun which might have A LOT to do with it. LOL Id say invest in FilthyRichs wallmount compressor. That thing is incredibly easy to use and safe!
Yeah, that had to be the world's longest spring swap. Wallmount compressor sounds like the way to go. I've seen several of those cheap compressors break/strip threads/bend/etc.
12-15-2005, 06:35 AM
#7
Contributing Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Urbandale, IA
Posts: 7,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've heard good things about Branick, and FilthyRich is selling one...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ght=compressor
EDIT: OOPS, he beat me to it
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ght=compressor
EDIT: OOPS, he beat me to it
Trending Topics
12-15-2005, 06:38 AM
#8
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Richmond, Va
Posts: 4,218
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
12-15-2005, 07:50 AM
#12
Contributing Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,020
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
both .. basically he charged me 1/2 an hour of labor
edit: I just wanted to be clear, that I removed/reinstalled the shock/spring myself. All they did was remount the new shock onto the spring.
edit: I just wanted to be clear, that I removed/reinstalled the shock/spring myself. All they did was remount the new shock onto the spring.
Last edited by sdastg1; 12-15-2005 at 07:52 AM.
12-15-2005, 08:00 AM
#13
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, that's what I thought. Sounds like that is the most economical/safest route to take for me too; even if it ends up being $90 for 2 vehicles (2 on the 4Runner, and 4 on the Accord).
12-15-2005, 08:06 AM
#14
Contributing Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Urbandale, IA
Posts: 7,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When we did the fronts on mine, Steve and I were able to rent some garage time and they provided the spring compressor. It was sort of scary watching that thing flex wondering if it would explode.
When we did Bob's, we took them to a garage that had a wall mounted compressor. I think they charged $60 but it was probably well spent - much quicker and much safer.
When we did Bob's, we took them to a garage that had a wall mounted compressor. I think they charged $60 but it was probably well spent - much quicker and much safer.
12-28-2005, 06:45 PM
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 792
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Y'all are making this just a tad too hard.... 
Spring compressors bring the suck.... I stripped on pulling coils off of my old Tundra. I use a hydraulic press instead. Check out Bill Morgan's writeup and coil over adapter: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/projects/blackbean/ome/
Spring compressors bring the suck.... I stripped on pulling coils off of my old Tundra. I use a hydraulic press instead. Check out Bill Morgan's writeup and coil over adapter: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/projects/blackbean/ome/
12-29-2005, 04:47 AM
#16
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by rockota
Spring compressors bring the suck.... I stripped on pulling coils off of my old Tundra. I use a hydraulic press instead. Check out Bill Morgan's writeup and coil over adapter: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/projects/blackbean/ome/
The Accord is our DD, so I am going to get lowering "sport" springs, which will only drop it .25", yet make the R&R much faster.
01-11-2006, 08:37 AM
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Branick is the best one I've seen. I've used them and they work great. They are a bit pricy for the home shop though. I got one from HF that I've used a few times. It's not as nice as a Branick but it works reasonably well and is very safe if used correctly. Sometimes you have to play with it a little to get the springs to fit right. I hate the little threaded rod type with the hooks on the end.
Here's a link to the one I bought. I got it when it was on sale for $79.00.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47890
Here's a link to the one I bought. I got it when it was on sale for $79.00.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47890
