What do I use to band/compress coil springs? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

team39763 · 04-17-2010, 05:41 PM

I'm about to install a new set of long coil springs in the front of my 82 C10. I want to install them myself. I was told to get them compressed and banded so they would go in easily. These are not stock springs, they are longer. What should I use to band them? 10Ga wire? Rope? Thanks.

**lolife99** · 04-18-2010, 12:15 AM

You need to go to your local auto parts store and rent a spring compressor.
That's the only safe way to contain a compressed coil spring.

cparman · 04-18-2010, 11:26 AM

completely agree with lolife !!!! I have heard of some very unsafe ways to remove and install coil springs. The only way I will install a coil spring is with a very good spring compressor. If you have access to a torch, you could heat/cut the old springs to the point that there is not any pressure on them. The fact that you are installing a taller spring will make the install tougher without a compressor.

team39763 · 04-19-2010, 12:52 PM

The last time I rented their spring compressor and took it to a mechanic to do my springs he said it wouldn't work with my springs or with my truck or something. He said he tried it and it didn't work. I don't know how he got the springs in the first time, but he got them in with some help from another guy. I have access to a lift now if that makes any difference.
Could ya'll point me to some instructions/directions on putting in springs and using the correct compressor?

crakarjax · 04-19-2010, 01:30 PM

Yeah get the free parts store rental tool. Much easier. Get their ball joint tool while you're at it.

team39763 · 04-19-2010, 09:09 PM

I can rent the tool, but I don't even know how to use it properly....yes I'm that dumb. Any tips or instructions?

team39763 · 04-22-2010, 04:07 PM

Ok, I think I figured it out. They gave me the compressor tool for coil-over type springs when i went to autozone last time. I'm gonna buy the regular spring compressor from them next time I go.

mclairmo · 04-22-2010, 06:52 PM

There are 2 types, internal and external. You need the internal one that is one piece with 4 U-shaped arms sticking off of it. Works great if the threads are not chewed up already. Be sure to lube the threads first. Harbor Freight also carries them for cheap if you need to buy one.

04-17-2010, 05:41 PM	#1
team39763 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 469	What do I use to band/compress coil springs? I'm about to install a new set of long coil springs in the front of my 82 C10. I want to install them myself. I was told to get them compressed and banded so they would go in easily. These are not stock springs, they are longer. What should I use to band them? 10Ga wire? Rope? Thanks. __________________ 1982 Silverado - SBE, cleaned up GM heads, small cam, TH350, 850 Demon, 4.56 gears, and caltracs. Best time so far 11.8@XXXMPH

04-18-2010, 12:15 AM	#2
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,702	Re: What do I use to band/compress coil springs? You need to go to your local auto parts store and rent a spring compressor. That's the only safe way to contain a compressed coil spring. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

04-18-2010, 11:26 AM	#3
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: What do I use to band/compress coil springs? completely agree with lolife !!!! I have heard of some very unsafe ways to remove and install coil springs. The only way I will install a coil spring is with a very good spring compressor. If you have access to a torch, you could heat/cut the old springs to the point that there is not any pressure on them. The fact that you are installing a taller spring will make the install tougher without a compressor.

04-19-2010, 12:52 PM	#4
team39763 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 469	Re: What do I use to band/compress coil springs? The last time I rented their spring compressor and took it to a mechanic to do my springs he said it wouldn't work with my springs or with my truck or something. He said he tried it and it didn't work. I don't know how he got the springs in the first time, but he got them in with some help from another guy. I have access to a lift now if that makes any difference. Could ya'll point me to some instructions/directions on putting in springs and using the correct compressor? __________________ 1982 Silverado - SBE, cleaned up GM heads, small cam, TH350, 850 Demon, 4.56 gears, and caltracs. Best time so far 11.8@XXXMPH

04-19-2010, 01:30 PM	#5
crakarjax Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kirkland, WA Posts: 1,302	Re: What do I use to band/compress coil springs? Yeah get the free parts store rental tool. Much easier. Get their ball joint tool while you're at it. __________________ 1968 LWB C20 / AC / Wood Bed

04-19-2010, 09:09 PM	#6
team39763 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 469	Re: What do I use to band/compress coil springs? I can rent the tool, but I don't even know how to use it properly....yes I'm that dumb. Any tips or instructions? __________________ 1982 Silverado - SBE, cleaned up GM heads, small cam, TH350, 850 Demon, 4.56 gears, and caltracs. Best time so far 11.8@XXXMPH Last edited by team39763; 04-19-2010 at 09:09 PM.

04-22-2010, 04:07 PM	#7
team39763 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 469	Re: What do I use to band/compress coil springs? Ok, I think I figured it out. They gave me the compressor tool for coil-over type springs when i went to autozone last time. I'm gonna buy the regular spring compressor from them next time I go. __________________ 1982 Silverado - SBE, cleaned up GM heads, small cam, TH350, 850 Demon, 4.56 gears, and caltracs. Best time so far 11.8@XXXMPH

04-22-2010, 06:52 PM	#8
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: What do I use to band/compress coil springs? There are 2 types, internal and external. You need the internal one that is one piece with 4 U-shaped arms sticking off of it. Works great if the threads are not chewed up already. Be sure to lube the threads first. Harbor Freight also carries them for cheap if you need to buy one.



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