How many spring compressors needed for install?
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From: The Houndstooth
How many spring compressors needed for install? Just got my new shocks in yesterday (revalved bilsteins from guess who) and now Im ready to do the install. I know I need a compressor, but my dad said I would probably need to get two compressors to do the front on my car. I can borrow them from the auto parts stores for free so im not worried about the cost. I went back and re-read the write up I'm using to do the install and it isn't extremely clear as to how many compressor tools they actually used.
So.... will two spring compressors help?
Installing: Eibach Springs & Revalved Bilstein HDs
So.... will two spring compressors help?
Installing: Eibach Springs & Revalved Bilstein HDs
I assume you are only doing one side at a time, so you only need one. But the confusion may be due to the fact there are different types of compressors. Some are big one-piece jobs. Some have two separate parts (and you need both of them). But you only need to do one spring at a time. 
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www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,535
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From: The Houndstooth
Ok, I'm sure thats what it is. And I'm definately only doing one side at a time LoL.
Thanks Sam,
You were about right on the shipping time too, about 3 weeks at the beginning of nascar season probably isn't too bad at all.
Thanks Sam,
You were about right on the shipping time too, about 3 weeks at the beginning of nascar season probably isn't too bad at all.
I just finished my install, this is the second time for me.
A heads up be sure you line up the top part, where the nut goes, before you tighten them back up. In other words make sure you have the top part where the bolts go in the right place in relation to the bottom. Its hard to explain, but once you get there just make sure you double check before you tighten up the new nut and uncompress the spring.
Trust me you dont want to be doing double work.
Oh and be sure to clean the threads and the nut on the upper A arms shaft. A lil lube wouldnt hurt either. I'm talkin bout the one that holds the steering knuckle. Reason is that shaft can spin if it has to much resistance. So you will never be able to fully tighten it back up cuz it will just spin and spin.
Getting the shock to line up to the bottom holes might be trouble I say might cuz the stock ones didnt but my Konis did. So be sure you have someone align it for you until you can get the bolts in, this sounds easier said than done.
Thats all I can think of for now.
A heads up be sure you line up the top part, where the nut goes, before you tighten them back up. In other words make sure you have the top part where the bolts go in the right place in relation to the bottom. Its hard to explain, but once you get there just make sure you double check before you tighten up the new nut and uncompress the spring.
Trust me you dont want to be doing double work.
Oh and be sure to clean the threads and the nut on the upper A arms shaft. A lil lube wouldnt hurt either. I'm talkin bout the one that holds the steering knuckle. Reason is that shaft can spin if it has to much resistance. So you will never be able to fully tighten it back up cuz it will just spin and spin.
Getting the shock to line up to the bottom holes might be trouble I say might cuz the stock ones didnt but my Konis did. So be sure you have someone align it for you until you can get the bolts in, this sounds easier said than done.
Thats all I can think of for now.
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=6&printable=y
That should be the page for the fronts. Please read carefully, and please use extra caution when removing and replacing the spring. 10 years ago, a friend of mine was doing this on another vehicle, didn't heed my warning, then there was an injury from a projectile flying off then ricocheting after a careless move to decompress. Just be patient and prudent, and things should run smoothly.
You should only have to use the spring compressors for the front set only, since the rears can simply pop out when the axle drops low enough. Here's the instructions for the rears.
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=8&printable=y
That should be the page for the fronts. Please read carefully, and please use extra caution when removing and replacing the spring. 10 years ago, a friend of mine was doing this on another vehicle, didn't heed my warning, then there was an injury from a projectile flying off then ricocheting after a careless move to decompress. Just be patient and prudent, and things should run smoothly.
You should only have to use the spring compressors for the front set only, since the rears can simply pop out when the axle drops low enough. Here's the instructions for the rears.
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=8&printable=y
