Spring Compressor

All, looking to change out front struts, what kind of spring compressors have you folks used? I saw some on Amazon that looked kind of good, but the reviews showed they were creaking and bending and just overall not too safe. The springs on these trucks are pretty beefy, do not want to cause more problems than it is worth. There are some real nice ones out there, but they are about $1k, I will not use it that much, easier to pay someone at that point...
Just looking for some ideas.

 

I have used these on my truck without issue.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-...p/oemtools-strut-spring-compressor/555557_0_0

For me, at least, I have found them to be acceptable if you follow every best practice and only compress the springs enough to relieve tension, not to complete compress them. Always do the work with the springs laying on the ground, feet and limbs out of the way, compressing both sides equally vs one side completely and then other (think u-bolt). They are tight, but they do fit our springs.

 

Used the same, they work perfectly fine. Make sure end pieces are fully seated on spring, keep rods directly across from each and parallel, evenly tighten and un tighten. They rent out those, you essentially buy them, then you get your money back upon return.

 

If you want to buy your own, I found these work well.

$57 BILITOOLS 2-Piece Coil Spring Compressor Tool Heavy Duty Macpherson Strut Spring Compression Set with Safety Jaws and Holder, Max Load.2645LB

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PYR6NVF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

I do believe that is how I ended up with them in my toolbox. They worked so well I figured it was worth having, and they were brand new when I rented them. I watched them walk over to the shelf, pull them, and then take the plastic wrapper off.

 

I bought one of those hydraulic ones from Amazon. Used it a few times when I swapped coil springs on my King shocks. Comes with different forks for different size coil springs. I haven't checked on it to see if the hydraulic jacks are still good. Last used was 2017, 2018. I was planning on swapping to 700 lb springs.

 

Short of getting something wall mounted or hydraulic, this style is the way to go. I have the exact same thing. Way safer than the cheap ones you can buy or rent. I've used them for two spring replacement jobs but...I had to compress the springs multiple times each job to get the shock/spring alignment just right. So I've probably used mine a dozen times and they still work great. And they're pretty damn cheap.

I've used the type below and lived to tell the tale, but anyone who has ever used this type didn't enjoy the experience. And they're what, like $10 cheaper?

 

Bought me a used Branick 7200 a long time ago and it gets the job done easily in a matter of just a few minutes. A very good choice IMO.