PRD2BDF Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Has anyone used them? Are they easy to use? I've never used one and I'm asking in advance because I'm looking into installing my own lowering springs and the fronts require the use of spring compressors. If I was to do it, I would employ one of these loan-a-tool from Advance, Autozone, or OReilly, whoever has one of them available for rental. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evan9381 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 theyre easy. i had a set at one time but last i saw, i was missing one. no clue how. ill check, if i have them you can use them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourString Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Incredibly easy tool to use. If you can turn a ratchet, you can use spring compressors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboRust Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 ive used mine on 50+sets of struts with no problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Used them, work fine, just remember to go back and forth tightening both sides down evenly that spring is under a good bit of pressure. If I had some I'd help out but everywhere I've worked always had a wall mounted unit so I never needed my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zx2guy19 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 I highly recommend the ones from AZ. I got the ones from Advanced and they were quite a bit different. Used each one a few times but AZ is definitely better if you have the choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Second Gen Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Autozone has these and are free to use (Have to secure them with a credit card until returned). Yes easy to use and lie Cordell says just adjust side to side (Not a lot at a time) as to not get them binded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unfunnyryan Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 the advanced auto ones were a PITA to use on my car with limited space when reinstalling springs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 I've got a well-used set you can borrow. Or, get your own. If you lower one car you're either going to replace struts again in the future or lower another car at some point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRD2BDF Posted January 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Thanks guys. I have to remove the struts themselves to get the springs off. How far out of whack will the alignment be afterwards, do you know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fubar231 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Thanks guys. I have to remove the struts themselves to get the springs off. How far out of whack will the alignment be afterwards, do you know? Your going to need an allignment after you lower the car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRD2BDF Posted January 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 I know that but will it be drivable to an alignment shop afterwards? Just so you know, I've never lowered a car before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbracing81 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 It will be completly drivable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky31186 Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 I personally do not like using those death trap spring compressors. I bought a set from Matco once, used them a dozen times or so. Finally had it slip, and caught my arm in the spring when it sprung. I sold them on Craigslist for 40$. I would take your struts off, and take them to a Midas or Monroe. You can normally bring cash and talk to a mechanic. Have them done by a professional, and spend 40$ or so. It's not worth loosing an arm or eye. The wall mounted spring compressors are much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 I know that but will it be drivable to an alignment shop afterwards? Just so you know, I've never lowered a car before. Not sure if there is any adjustment in the base of the strut on your car or not, but this would be the only way to get your alignment way off if it doesn't go back together close to how you took it apart. Obviously it will need aligned regardless. BTW the wheel vibrations you were talking about before will now be amplified by the shorter stiffer springs. Just in case you haven't thought about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POS VETT Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Add an impact wrench to reduce elbow grease significantly. An electric one would suffice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 I personally do not like using those death trap spring compressors. I bought a set from Matco once, used them a dozen times or so. Finally had it slip, and caught my arm in the spring when it sprung. I sold them on Craigslist for 40$. I would take your struts off, and take them to a Midas or Monroe. You can normally bring cash and talk to a mechanic. Have them done by a professional, and spend 40$ or so. It's not worth loosing an arm or eye. The wall mounted spring compressors are much better. I agree. Sean at NorthEnd Wrench has a nice mounted unit that worked very well, and was very quick. I am sure you can PM Crossle on here to see what he would charge to disassemble/assemble. Shouldn't take more than 30 minutes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBQdDude Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Not to thread hi-jack but.... I have been looking at lowering springs. Install would only be roughly $40? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Not to thread hi-jack but.... I have been looking at lowering springs. Install would only be roughly $40? No, he was saying to take your struts/springs to a shop and have them remove and reinstall the new springs will be cheap. Should only take 30 min. Everything else would have to be done by the OP. Suspension install can vary greatly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iwashmycar Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 Yeah I was swapping struts (front 2 only) and was quoted only like 25 bucks total at the local Pep Boys to have them use their wall mounted compressor on them.... Cheaper and easier than renting from AZ. On the flip side, when I did my Mini lowering springs, I did not even need the compressors... Just wrapped it in a towel, stepped on the spring, and air ratcheted the top nut off. Strut only shot maybe 4 feet.. (I would not advise this though) Hardest part is the strut top nut with no air tools... some are really hard to grip so you cant loosen and tighten it enough... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_pound Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 ^ i have laid a set on the ground and just impacted the top nut off before super sketchy lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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