i just got my ss 7.1 kit in and i have a 02 sport 4runner. can i install the kit without a spring compressor, why do you need one anyway? will it only fit in if it is compressed or something? thanks guys

 

also i have a offroad shop here saying they can do it for around 400 does this sound like a good deal?

 

Yes you need a spring compressor....especially for safety. Why pay a shop when you can do it yourself. Its not that hard

 

YES. - it may be possible I dont know the 7.1 but if that spring came off under pressure it could kill you... i watched a cadillac spring take the fender off and then crack a concrete wall..

Rent or borrow a compressor...

 

I did the rears myself and took the front setups to a shop and had them do it.

 

Those springs will rip your head off....especially the front I think they are under much more tension.

 

It cost me $20 to rent for a day at one of those rent-a-equipment (heavy equipment rental type place). They make it soooo easy. Once you compress the springs, you realize the unreal amount of pressure these are under.

good luck!

 

You can buy a set for like $20 at autozone too!

 

When i did the suspension on my car i rented a compressor from my local Autozone. I left a $50 deposit, borrowed the compressor for a weekend, returned it, and got my $50 back.....Total cost....Nothing. Not sure if they still offer this service, but free is definitely worth looking into.

 

or you can rent it for free at autozone. pay the deposit and then get it back when you return it

 

True....I kept my set

 

The rear you don't need a spring compressor, in fact, if you use one, you'll be wishing you hadn't! Just disconnect your shocks and swaybar, and let it droop down, your springs will just fall out, stick the new ones in. Have a buddy sit on the brake drum if you need a couple extra inches.

The fronts you need one to get the top nut back on. There is no way humanly possible to get it on without it. If you bring the struts to a shop, they should be able to do it for less than $100...

After doing this job 10x at least, I prefer to just bring them to a shop. Renting the things, wrestling them, and finding out they aren't tight enough (even with a frigging impact wrench) pisses me off.