Pat Vogt

Ok. Im doing a Budget boost next weekend and have very limited time in the space Im going to be working in. I need the fastest and most simple method to remove the coils so I can add my new spacers.

I know some people dont like the compressors some do. I would like to to avoid using one if at all possible. I know there are ways to get the axle to droop enough.

If I disconect the lower shock mounts, track bar, and pitman arms will that be enough?

alaskan

Easy/fast way: Spring compressor. Wear safety equipment.

Hard way: disconnect shocks, drag link, sway bar and track bar. Have it securely placed on jack stands so a buddy can lift up one side of the axle while you put in the spacer on the opposite side.

Pat Vogt

okay so youre talking about not really disconecting much of anything while using the compressor? that does sound much easier. lol

Trickynick89

Also its easier if you dissconnect your upper control arm where it connects to the axle......... and watch your brake lines cuz the OEM ones dont have much slack and may break

alaskan

Yeah, you'll also have to move the brake lines off the clips in the front if you don't use the coil compressors.

Pat Vogt

okay cool . thanks guys

Sideways99

just watch your @$$ with the compressers as they can unload and take ur head off
just my .02

Pat Vogt

Thats what Ive heard, and why Im kinda shying away from them.

alaskan

I think that's mainly an interweb rumor. You could be injured by a lot of things working on a vehicle and I doubt that coil spring compressors are as dangerous as people are saying. Wear gloves and eye protection and don't do anything stupid with the tool.

Google "coil spring compressor injuries" and then Google "angle grinder injuries" and tell me where the real danger is.

Also, I highly doubt national chain stores would be loaning out a tool that's as dangerous as internet forums make it out to be.

Sideways99

chain stores aren't liable for what the tool does just the tool
its all use at your own risk

alaskan

I'd wager that if people were getting sent to the ER on a regular basis they'd quit renting them out in a heart beat.

Kaul

Installed my 3" could saturday using coils compressors. As long as you compress and decompress them evenly (we did 10 full rotations with a wrench each side) and you keep an eye on them to make sure they don't slide towards each other too much, it's just time consuming. As long as you keep your fingers clear and distractions down, you'll be fine. If at any point you feel worried or unsafe, stop and walk away. I was a little uncomfortable starting off too, but once you get a feel it goes easier. Hope that helps.

Gee oh Dee

One member here claims to have seen someone's jaw get taken off by a set of spring compressors.

Just sayin.

ericfx1984

this is the one I use... use an air ratchet to speed things along...

http://www.harborfreight.com/macpher...-set-3980.html

The91XJ

When i lifted my jeep i rented them from the parts store. DO NOT USE AIR TOOLS TO COMPRESS was printed across the case lol