dragonrage

2 bad shock mounts (a Gabriel that had the nuts spin and a Monroe that doesn't even come close to lining up correctly) have made me want to get a decent strut/spring compressor. I've been borrowing a few of the simple ones that just have two hooks on a long bolt. They keep slipping off to the side, are old and don't have the best threads anymore, and take FOREVER to use. I want something:

1) much faster - a huge plus if I can use like a drill to tighten it (I have socket adapters for it), but not a requirement. MUST be faster than using 2-3 of these with a wrench though.

2) safer! These keep slipping off to the side and I've had a spring pop back. Fortunately nothing broken, either on me or around the garage. I don't want to keep taking my chances though!

3) not too expensive. Preferably under $100.

I found this: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43753 - never used this type. Are these safe? Reasonably fast to use? The price seems right.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

Ask Sam what he used in this article:
Looks similar to your picture, but it might be a more Heavy Duty spring compressor.
http://image.gmhightechperformance.c...vy_camaro+.jpg

joecar

It is the same one... they are fast and safe (but use common sense, use the lock pins, oil the thread before use).

dragonrage

just picked one up yesterday so hopefully it will work well, and I should have the Moog mount today. Hope it works 'cause I don't wanna have to special order an OE one.

joecar

Keep us posted.

JamRWS6

What is the preferred method for turning that compressor? Impact?

joecar

That's ok, but watch out to only go as far as you need (don't compress any further than what you need to remove pressure from the nut).

I use a 1/2" long ratchet, I lay everything down on a cardboard sheet on my garage floor, I keep myself away from the spring centerline.

dragonrage

I don't like this thing that much. It can be a major PITA to get all 4 hooks on, and especially off, of the coils. I might try cutting off part of the hooks like I've seen recommended on some forums. (Not the entire hooks, obviously)

I used a 12" adjustable wrench. It wasn't very fast. It definitely takes a good bit of torque, and I don't even have a socket big enough to try it on my drill. (It's not super huge though, but the largest socket I have is 20mm, excluding a huge one to install water heater electrodes). I really should pick up an impact gun. Any recommendations on cheap ones? I doubt I'll be using it all that often.

joecar

Could also smooth the hook inside edges with a file, and coat them with grease before hooking them on the coils.

JamRWS6

So if this thing sucks what is a good spring compressor? How much do most shops charge to do something like this?

Major_Lee_Slow

iTrader: (1)

When I first replaced the stock springs (the only springs that have been on my car that needed a spring compressor) I had a shop remove the springs and the cost was 1 case of Miller Light cans.

JamRWS6

Did they have to wait until after they were done?

dragonrage

Miller Lite? Yeesh, that's cheap. I wouldn't do it for any less than Sam Adams summer ale or cherry wheat.

WS6 SRT-8

iTrader: (18)

Mmmmm, I'm gonna go get a beer. Post up how it works for ya.

wicknewman

iTrader: (13)

I used this compressor for my installing my konis. It can be a pain. I had to pry on the springs and tap the upper hooks inbetween the coils with a hammer to get it on the spring. Once I saw the angle and figured out how to approach things it was not too bad. I felt like a dumbass trying to get all 4 hooks on the spring the first try, took forever.
For me it was easier to disconnect two of the arms from the body of the compressor when I wanted to remove it from the spring. This way you can slide them out easy since you cannot get the proper angle when they are attached to the whole compressor assembly. Of course don't loosen the arms until the spring is uncompressed.

joecar

It's not too bad once you see the "angles"... the compressor frame has a "loseness' to it so you can manoeuvre it onto/offof the spring... and some grease helps.

dragonrage

This tool is crap. It does not compress both sides evenly for some reason. And the hooks are too deep.