Modified XJ Cherokee Tech XJ (84-01)
All modified tech questions. If it modifies your XJ beyond stock parts ask it here.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

compressing a up-country spring with a rachet strap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-20-2011, 08:19 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
mideerslayer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Burbs of detroit
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default compressing a up-country spring with a rachet strap

To add a 2" spacer, i have read that some people use a rachet strap to get the spring to compress enough to get it in, will this work. It is just like the yellow ones and has a 10,000lb break strength

I figure between this and a little man handling it should get over that last little hump

Thanks

Rich

http://www.lowes.com/pd_317646-50881...3D1&facetInfo=
Old 09-20-2011, 08:22 PM
  #2  
Registered Users
 
jmm0122's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Or you can rent a coil spring compressor from your local auto parts store. There is a small cover charge that is reimbursed when you return it. They are much safer than a ratchet strap.
Old 09-20-2011, 08:22 PM
  #3  
Old Skewl CF like a Sir
 
Bustedknuckle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L High Output OBDII
Default

BE CAREFUL AND WEAR EYE PROTECTION.


Otherwise, for a few bucks more, buy a set of these -

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6119_200396119

One of the best tools I've ever bought. Used them more then I can count, still work flawlessly. And safe too.
Old 09-20-2011, 08:23 PM
  #4  
CF Veteran
 
cdawall's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: EAFB, SD
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

its a lot safer to remove the lower control arm on one side, the trac bar and shock and letting the front end drop out. ratchet straps are a very dumb choice with coils. or you could go to autozone, oriellys etc and rent a set of coil compressors.
Old 09-20-2011, 08:27 PM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
VTJeep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: 802
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Ha? Eye protection? Try a hockey mask.. And even then, if you caught one square, you'd know it.. My point is be careful with those spring compressors...
Old 09-20-2011, 08:34 PM
  #6  
Member
Thread Starter
 
mideerslayer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Burbs of detroit
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

That is the thing I am confused about, is some people say to avoid Compressor's and others say to avoid ratchet straps.

I just want to do this safely but on the cheap

Thanks
Old 09-20-2011, 08:56 PM
  #7  
THE Admin

 
Outlaw Star's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,036
Received 231 Likes on 187 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Default

Originally Posted by cdawall
its a lot safer to remove the lower control arm on one side, the trac bar and shock and letting the front end drop out. ratchet straps are a very dumb choice with coils. or you could go to autozone, oriellys etc and rent a set of coil compressors.
X2! Let me get this straight, you wont use the proper tool made out of metal but will trust a piece of cloth with stitching made in Taiwan??? Very unsafe just rent the proper tool, take your time and be patient. This is meant for whoever suggested the strap.
Old 09-20-2011, 09:42 PM
  #8  
CF Veteran
 
Gorillaxj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

either let it drop out enough to get it on, or get spring compressors. other options are foolish.

Last edited by Gorillaxj; 09-21-2011 at 12:38 AM. Reason: spelling
Old 09-20-2011, 09:57 PM
  #9  
Member
 
MilwaukeeJeep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
Default

Remember, spring compressors are completely safe when used correctly! Even if you have never used one before, most rental kits (Advance Auto Parts, O' Reiley's etc..) come with instructions. Rent the tool and live to jeep another day
Old 09-21-2011, 12:22 AM
  #10  
Junior Member
 
biztyke's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
Default

Originally Posted by mideerslayer
That is the thing I am confused about, is some people say to avoid Compressor's and others say to avoid ratchet straps.

I just want to do this safely but on the cheap

Thanks
well what does logic tell you? coil spring compressors are specifically designed to compress coils. ratchet straps were designed to hold cargo down.

the safest method(and cheapest, though more labour intensive) is to unbolt LCA, trackbar and draglink and just drop the axle to remove the spring. but if you are in a rush use coil compressors, lots of people say they are risky(though i can assure you, straps are much more risky) and maybe i am tempting fate but i have used my KD tools compressors on many occasions without issue.
Old 09-21-2011, 03:26 AM
  #11  
CF Veteran
 
ericfx1984's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0HO
Default

I will be watching this thread...
Old 09-21-2011, 06:26 AM
  #12  
CF Veteran
 
Dan91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Williston, North Dakota
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Use spring compressors, they were made for the job. A ratchet strap may work but it might slip off really easily. There is a ton of potential energy built up in those things when they are compressed. Certainly enough to break bones all over your face if it let loose. Usually though when I use a spring compressor I like to fold over tiny pieces of sandpaper so it's doublesided and put it in between the spring and the tool, seems to help considerably with gripping the coil.
Old 09-21-2011, 08:07 AM
  #13  
THE Admin

 
Outlaw Star's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,036
Received 231 Likes on 187 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Default

Originally Posted by Dan91
Use spring compressors, they were made for the job. A ratchet strap may work but it might slip off really easily. There is a ton of potential energy built up in those things when they are compressed. Certainly enough to break bones all over your face if it let loose. Usually though when I use a spring compressor I like to fold over tiny pieces of sandpaper so it's doublesided and put it in between the spring and the tool, seems to help considerably with gripping the coil.
Some of the higher quality compressors like mine have a bolt that holds the clamp to the spring.
Old 09-21-2011, 02:32 PM
  #14  
Newbie
 
terratology's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bristol, England
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

If you use ratchett straps you'll be asking for trouble also dont use cheapo compressors as they can be nearly as dangerous, just ask this guy! http://www.benzworld.org/forums/atta...essor-hand.jpg
When you use the compressors lay the springs on the floor at right angles to your feet and tighten up each clamp a little at a time until the springs are compressed just enough to fit in as to keep the kinetic energy stored in the springs to a minimum. When moving the springs keep them vertical and at arms length. Have fun and as long as you remember dentists don't come cheap you'll be fine!
Old 09-21-2011, 08:56 PM
  #15  
CF Veteran
 
ericfx1984's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0HO
Default

Originally Posted by terratology
holy monkey snot!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
extrashaky
Other Vehicles. Other Jeep models & cars and trucks of other makes
17
06-17-2023 03:57 PM
InitialForce
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
9
07-05-2022 12:17 AM
her89
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
9
09-26-2015 12:06 PM
studmuffin
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
3
09-25-2015 09:50 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: compressing a up-country spring with a rachet strap



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:42 AM.