Spring Compressors

GoldDigger · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Inwood WV

What spring compressor do you use on the front strut springs?

xseveredveganx · Posted: 6/12/08 6:11PM Post subject:

You can get one at Autozone for a refundable fee. You pay like $15 but you get it back as soon as you return it.

I recommend getting a corded 1/2" impact driver. It'll save you so much time.

Or, if you have someone that can give you ride, you can just go to a Les Schwab or something and have them remove and reinstall the springs for you. Then go home and install your struts with new springs!

ShaffNasty · Posted: 6/13/08 8:44AM Post subject:

I just installed some Df's and the sping compressor was $40 from the Autozone by me... Fully refundable with its return... Its impossible with out it... good luck...

GoldDigger · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Inwood WV

I guess my question has been answered in a round about way... Scion struts do not have a long enough shaft that would unload the spring by unscrewing the cap bolt and removing the bearing cap so a spring compressor is needed. There are two types of spring compressors, a scissor type and a two piece clamp version.. two pieces of large threaded rod, four hooks. It sounds like you guys are using the scissor type, both are driven by a large nut and yes, the impact does take the arm work out of it... have that... I was just wondering which type of compressor was preferred...due to scissor types being limited by dia. size.

lvbitwiz · Posted: 6/13/08 8:17PM Post subject:

I used the scissor type, worked just fine. Although I lacked the impact driver so mine took a wee bit longer

ShaffNasty · Posted: 6/14/08 11:54AM Post subject:

I used the two piece clamp one... It worked fine... just takes more time tightenng each side little by little....

JambaJuice · Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 13 Location: SoCal

...bought some from autozone for $30.00 and was easily able drop both mine and a buddies XB2...highly recommended...

GammaTNT · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 1197 Location: NJ

the auto shop in my area don't have any spring compressor for rent.
i am looking at some on Ebay;

Wold those Two $20 compressor work good as the $50 one?

the $50 one

ShaffNasty · Posted: 7/1/08 10:30PM Post subject:

yes...

2Hip · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 31 Location: MD

I bought (but returning when done) a sping compressor from Advanced. From the insturctions it appears the compressor has to be used from inside the spring and there is only one which worries me a little. Anyone have any experience with this type?

miketf1 · Posted: 7/24/08 7:18PM Post subject:

that is the wrong spring compressor. you need to get a strut spring compressor for the front. you have a coil spring compressor and that works for the rear, but you dont really need one for the rear

BBN-Boys · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 263

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43753

I just got this one. Not bad. It's quiker and feels safer to use than the dual screw types.

You can download the instructions here:
http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/43000-43999/43753.PDF

I hope this helps.

:P

CIONIDE · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 2440 Location: Napa, CA

Harbor Freight sells the cheapest Chinese made pot metal knock-off crap in the world. I'd be afraid that spring clamp would shatter, sending the spring flying towards your skull. I'm glad it worked for you, and you didn't get hurt, but I would never recommend anything they sell if safety is a consideration.

BBN-Boys · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 263

It's not the best, but I feel it works better than the dual spring ones. I was a little hisitant at first, but the product is made well. The metal doesn't feel cheap and it weighs more than it looks.

Almost everythng we have is made in China....... :)

2Hip · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 31 Location: MD

Thanks for the info guys. I went on Advanced's website and see they have a strut/spring compressor which I'll go pick up.

ShaffNasty · Posted: 7/25/08 8:55AM Post subject:

CIONIDE wrote: Harbor Freight sells the cheapest Chinese made pot metal knock-off crap in the world. I'd be afraid that spring clamp would shatter, sending the spring flying towards your skull. I'm glad it worked for you, and you didn't get hurt, but I would never recommend anything they sell if safety is a consideration.

Very true, but where else can u get a sawsall for $10!!! gotta love cheap labor...

_ecobox08_ · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 28

i installed my springs without a spriong compressor. but i used k-sport springs off of a 05 xb

Velocitysport31 · Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Posts: 69

You dont need a compressor, i just lowered my car in 45 min without one

awc6b · Joined: 30 Aug 2008 Posts: 35 Location: Gordonsville, Va

I don't have an xb, but I put my TEIN-S techs on with out the spring compressors.......................2 crowbars hooked under the bumper of my truck, while my friend put the nut on...lol. HE HAD A WELDING MASK ON, MY NEIGHBORS WERE LOOKING AT US LIKE WE WERE CRAZY. I literally had to sit on the crowbars to compress them................You know, looking back, that was pretty crazy

BBN-Boys · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 263

awc6b wrote: I don't have an xb, but I put my TEIN-S techs on with out the spring compressors.......................2 crowbars hooked under the bumper of my truck, while my friend put the nut on...lol. HE HAD A WELDING MASK ON, MY NEIGHBORS WERE LOOKING AT US LIKE WE WERE CRAZY. I literally had to sit on the crowbars to compress them................You know, looking back, that was pretty crazy

Lucky you didn't end up in the hospital or dead. I have a few experiences like that when I was younger and thought....... that was REALLY STUPID. :lol: