Most Reliable/Recommended Spring Compressor?
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TECH Junkie
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Southside Chicago
Most Reliable/Recommended Spring Compressor? What is the best spring compressor to use in your guys' experiences? I like the one "Blue Knight" used in his 'how-to' video as the springs are enclosed in those u-bolts in case of slippage. I plan on purchasing a set and not renting because I'm afraid of the potential mishandling or improper use from previous renters.
I like the one Blue Knight used in his video as well but I've never seen those locally. I borrowed a set from a friend. They were the ones that Advance Auto sells. They worked just fine but the cast piece that slips in between the coils was a little too think and was difficult to remove and install.
I just went up to Advance and rented theirs, I think I'm the only person to have used it, but it worked good. Two solid metal pieces to hold the springs on a long threaded rod, felt strong and worked great. A little large with the Strano/Konis to fit around the springs and through the coils so took some fiddling with, but worked as needed.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: IL
When I did my springs I just rented the compressor from autozone/advanced, worked fine. I'm going to buy the one from harbor freight of the same design for when I have to take them off since one of my shocks are leaking.
I did mine with hand tools. As exactly above, the driver side came off after PB soaking and some elbow grease. The passenger side however would not budge even with an impact. Shock had to be cut.
I did mine with hand tools. As exactly above, the driver side came off after PB soaking and some elbow grease. The passenger side however would not budge even with an impact. Shock had to be cut.
Thread Starter
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (32)
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 2
From: Southside Chicago
When I did my springs I just rented the compressor from autozone/advanced, worked fine. I'm going to buy the one from harbor freight of the same design for when I have to take them off since one of my shocks are leaking.
I did mine with hand tools. As exactly above, the driver side came off after PB soaking and some elbow grease. The passenger side however would not budge even with an impact. Shock had to be cut.
I did mine with hand tools. As exactly above, the driver side came off after PB soaking and some elbow grease. The passenger side however would not budge even with an impact. Shock had to be cut.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
I'm lucky to have a friend with a shop so I'm spoiled. A wall mount compressor and air are the only way to go. I would take the shock assemblies to a shop and gladly pay to have them do it rather than mess around with portable compressors. Then you have a real hassle if the top nut is rusted on. An air chisel takes care of that in a couple of minutes.
Autozone one works great, used it a bunch of times and its free. As far as the top bolt, they rust horribly, try soaking it in pb and muscle it off, or just order new top thing off rock auto.