What Front Spring Compressor Using?

[aotte1]

Those using a front spring compressor to remove/ install the front springs, please list the brand along with any part number please.
Thanks,
Les

[bdiamond]

A spring compressor is a huge PITA on our trucks. I've always just used a floor jack and been really careful.

[aotte1]

Picture of K&D spring compressor that I have, the center section is to large to fit through hole in bottom of lower control arm. To use the K&D would have to make the hole square and larger. Is their one that that fits existing hole?
Thanks,
Les

[aotte1]

Bdiamond,

Agree, however, trying to do this on front cross member/suspension out of truck. This may be a bad idea, and will have to wait until it is in the truck. This is a clean front suspension/cross member from AZ, and was hoping to rebuild before installing truck?
Thanks,
Les

[aotte1]

K&D number is 2528

[willett]

TJ rear spring but same idea


BE CAREFUL

[cory d]

floor jack with a chain through the coil just to be safe

[bdiamond]

Are you cutting the springs or using drop springs? If so you could still install them without a compressor even with the crossmember out. Get it close and use a heavy ratchet strap to suck it together

[aotte1]

Bdiamond,

Thanks for info on drop springs.
Thinking of using 2 inch drop spring to replace original.. Still have to get the old ones out?

[Cape Codder]

If you are going to replace the springs a sawz all or torch will relieve the pressure.

[aotte1]

Cape Cod,
What happens when you cut through a coil?? Would think the saws-all result would be pretty violent ?

[Cape Codder]

I have cut them with a torch before with no issues as the heat collapses the spring partly anyhow . I think you could get away with sawing it but would put a cable or chain through the middle anyway. I have only had a spring get away once in 40 years and that was using a spring compressor. You might be able to use the outside individual type made for a mac pherson strut. They look like this

http://www.toolpan.com/ATD-Tools-756...23_a_7cATD7561

[bdiamond]

I agree on the torch. It takes the tension out pretty quick. Just heat both sides of the coil and it'll collapse in no time....

[aotte1]

Thanks everyone for the help. I went with method suggested by Willet, using the ratchet straps. It worked very well . " BE CAREFULLY"!!!! You need to be comfortable and have some experience with the power of these spring, if removing them when they are compressed!
The torch method sound very safe. Did not use because one not available.
More detailed description of what I did in my build. Below is picture using two straps. First strap installed.

[aotte1]

Willett, sorry for misspelling above, picture of second strap installed. At this point the nuts on the ball joints were loose from the compression of the straps.
Be Carefully doing this!

[cleansquare]

Edit. Got ahead of myself