HowTo question: F. Spring compressor
 

I'm going to install a front coil spacer on my '95. My question is how to use a spring compressor. I've seen the type that goes on the outside and works in pairs. My local Oreilly and Autozone has the internal type that I can rent. I understand the concept. Put it in, hook the bottom, hook the top, and screw.

So the question is, when it is positioned in place and I slowly unscrew it to set it in, how does one remove the actual tool? It would seem like the spaces in between the coils would be too narrow.

This is the tool:


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...b5ad898aca.jpg

The coil (spaces) will open up once the tool is being loosened. Or am I missing your question?

I've just never seen it in action before. Just seems like it won't fit through the spaces to take it off. Especially the bottom piece with the hooks on it. Looks like it'll fold up.

Well, it'll be a first for me this weekend to use. Crossing fingers! :)

Yah usually the inside ones are used on coil springs where shocks are installed inside them. With the shock removed there is a pretty large whole in the bottom of the control arm that the tool can fit through.

Ahh, that's interesting. My 95 is the type with the shocks are next to the springs.

You might be better suited using the outside one

I think so too! But Oreilly and Autozone nearby only rent the internal ones. Hmmm. Maybe I can find the outside types somewhere cheaper.

Im probably as shocked as you are that I am about to recomend a tool from harber freight..

But i just replaced struts with this spring compressor and I highly recommend it, item: 43753
http://www.harborfreight.com/single-...sor-43753.html

Way way safer than those widow maker sticks... It hooks to the strut at four anchor points making it impossible for anything to shift lose giving you the surprise of a lifetime...

These jokers show you how one works in this random youtube vid (ff to 3:00 min)...

Seriously, I would never use anything else short of a shop quality wall mount spring compressor that neither you nor I wish to spend the money on.

good luck...

I recently did the front shocks on a 2006 F150. I went to advance auto and rented the outside type spring compressor(comes in a pair). Like you I was a little worried about using these tools, so I actually rented 2 sets of the outside ones(4 total compressors). 4 compressors will fit on the spring(place 90 degrees apart), and this worked like a charm. That spring is no match for 4 compressors, they crushed that spring down like a slinky.

Also 2 out of 4 can fail and you'll still live. I went from nervous to confident :)

I actually bought two sets of outside ones to install my bilsteins. those springs are strong and at least 1/2" thick.

Sure are. My springs looked to be in great shape(no rust/cracks/stress) so I was OK doing this. If your springs look suspect, DON'T DO THE JOB. I would hire a shop.

Even if you use 4 spring compressors, and your spring actually breaks, you are ****ED.