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

 

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!

 

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...

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

yes...

 

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?

 

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

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=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...3999/43753.PDF

I hope this helps.

 

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.

 

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.......

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.