Spring compressors
 

I will be installing 2" spring spacers in a couple of weeks and read that I will need spring compressors to install. I have seen them for about $30 to $40 and to be honest, I hate the idea of spending that on something I will never use again after that day. What kind did everyone else use? what tips do you have and would it be possible to rent some? I will call autozone tomorrow but I just thought I would get some tips from others.

Auto parts stores usally rent that type of thing.

I would go somewhere other than Auto Zone--reason being that a few mechanics I've talked to have said that they've had bad luck with their parts--especially electrical. I had to grab a set of rear drum brakes (drums, pads, and hardware) from them, and I've never felt confident with them.

Thanks, thats kind of what I am hoping to find out. I hope there are some members who have rented them. I have a set of those cheap spacers that I could invert and use to compress the spring but they will only compress the spring my about 1 to 2 inches and I would think I need more compression than that not just to get the spring off but to re-install after the 2" spacers is in place.

I still have the ones I rented last week from autozone. I got the external compressors to install the 3/4" spacers on my XJ. I just have to get them back so I can get my money back. I had totally forgot about that until I read your post. Thanks for that!

you shouldnt need compressors to take the stock coils out, just jack the body up high enough and let the axle droop all the way, they'll slide right out

If there is an advance auto parts there, go there. We just did a 2" budget boost on my friends xj. We rented the coil compressors for like $50. Took them back right after and got his money back. I've done quite a few coil installs and for stock coils, definitely recommend to use the compressors.

x2 disconnect the sway bar and shocks though, should get enough space, if not take off the lca's, just if you HAVE to do it (lca's) take a few to search out the correct way of getting your axle back in the correct spot on reassembly.

i've lifted 4 jeeps the most recent 5.5" never had the need for a spring compressor but Ken if you really wanna use one go for it!

I found they suck on lifted springs but for stock springs they work great. Done in half the time than unbolting all the other stuff.

To be honest I would rather not use it if I dont need it but everything seems to go the hard way for me, so I thought I might need them. I am still trying to decide if I should just get the 3" lift instead, its about the same price. I just dont know if I would need to replace the shocks and drop the transfer case too. Any thoughts on that subject? I have read that 3" require new shocks and a transfer case drop. I already will have to take it in for an alignment.

new shocks yes, TC drop.. you might be able to get away without one

you dont need a spring compressor i took out the 2"spacers and 4.5 rusty lift springs with out using one just unhook tie rod ends and track bar shocks and because i have the fixed short arm lift i had to unbolt the lca's at the frame but they came out