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Spring compressors

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by sundance, Jun 5, 2019.

  1. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:24 AM
    #1
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

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    I've done plenty of mechanic work over the years. Most of it when I was much younger. I've replaced many strut assemblies and etc. However, I never done a strut/shock assembly on a truck with this large a spring. I currently don't own a spring compressor of any kind. I'm looking for recommendations. I want to change out my front shocks.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:40 AM
    #2
    jeremyd

    jeremyd 2014 Crewmax SR5

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    I recently did some work on my truck with a 20 dollar spring compressor from Amazon. Or you can take it to a local shop..
     
  3. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:43 AM
    #3
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

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    I'm a Amazon Prime addict. What pair did you use? Thanks for the help!
     
    jeremyd[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:44 AM
    #4
    Sas

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  5. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:47 AM
    #5
    P-Factor

    P-Factor New Member

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  6. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:56 AM
    #6
    jeremyd

    jeremyd 2014 Crewmax SR5

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  7. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:56 AM
    #7
    Jrharvey02

    Jrharvey02 New Member

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  8. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:00 AM
    #8
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

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    Thank You Gentlemen! I really appreciate the help.
     
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  9. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:01 AM
    #9
    Tundradrenalin

    Tundradrenalin New Member

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    I used a macpherson compressor off the truck in a vise for 700 lb springs and it felt super sketchy. I'll never do it again.

    If you have the means, take the struts off the truck and bring the assemblies to a shop with a legit floor mounted compressor and pay the $70.
     
  10. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:08 AM
    #10
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    Go in early morning or late afternoon to a small shop with a case of Bud Light and ask if they'll change the springs over.
     
    801Tundra and sundance[OP] like this.
  11. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:10 AM
    #11
    MAK

    MAK Searching for Gnarnia

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    Ditto for me. SUPER sketchy
    I changed the springs in my 1st gen with a spring compressor similar to those posted above. Scared the bejesus out of me. Thats why I bought a pre-assembled set for my 3rd gen.
     
    sundance[OP] likes this.
  12. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:19 AM
    #12
    jeremyd

    jeremyd 2014 Crewmax SR5

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    Being scared is good !! It keeps you alive, Lol
     
  13. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:38 AM
    #13
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

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    What set did you go with? I've used FCS before and they're just okay.
     
  14. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:38 AM
    #14
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

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    Ain't that that the truth!
     
  15. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:15 AM
    #15
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    I’ve always used the weight of the truck to decompress like the videos above way easier than a compressor I’ve done at least a dozen Toyota’s this way. The spring won’t go anyway since it’s still all attached to the top shock mount it’s super easy.
     
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  16. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:28 AM
    #16
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

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    Have you done a Tundra this way? I don't know if there is enough room to lower the assembly to the point of removing and installing it uncompressed.
     
  17. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:38 AM
    #17
    justfortun

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    sundance[OP] likes this.
  18. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:40 AM
    #18
    MAK

    MAK Searching for Gnarnia

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    I actually ended up borrowing the most heavy duty ones that O'reilly had on their tool borrow program. They worked well, but I was still terrified.
    The ones that I had bought were supposed to he heavy duty, but I didn't feel comfortable with them for the truck springs.
    I pretty much did exactly as @justfortun did in his video. The sketchy part is transferring the spring from the safety of the large rod over to the strut. You gotta have faith and confidence in the strength of the spring compressors until you get the top nut threaded onto the strut. Thats the sketchy part.
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2019
    sundance[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  19. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:45 AM
    #19
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

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    MAK likes this.
  20. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:53 AM
    #20
    MAK

    MAK Searching for Gnarnia

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    I was ok with the technique in the video up until the part where the dude sticks his finger between the springs in order to guide the shock bolt up thru the top hat while his buddy was compressing the spring with the jack. No way, Jose! One tiny slip and it's by-by finger. He definitely could have figured out some way to use a tool for that. Maybe a large flare nut wrench or something....
     
  21. Jun 5, 2019 at 9:07 AM
    #21
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    Yes I’ve done three tundras this way only difference is the skid plate just come off and sway bar either needs unbolted from the mounts or at the end links
     
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  22. Jun 5, 2019 at 9:10 AM
    #22
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    Ya can’t remember what I used to guide it in but it doesn’t need much help just has to meet the hole then jack it up in it pretty simple. Decompressing the spring this way I think is actually safer than a compressor myself but to each their own. It’s also quicker and easier. Almost no room for error. Just make sure your jack is under the LCA in a good position and the jack can easily be lowered.
     
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  23. Jun 5, 2019 at 9:14 AM
    #23
    djhase

    djhase New Member

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    I used a spring compressor once and almost lost a hand. I'll pay a shop that has the proper equipment to change over the springs. Last one charged me $50 to do my fronts. Definitely worth every penny.
     
  24. Jun 5, 2019 at 9:14 AM
    #24
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    Spring compressor are sketchy I won’t use em either.
     
  25. Jun 5, 2019 at 9:47 AM
    #25
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

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    Sounds good. Thanks for the info I appreciate it.
     
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  26. Jun 10, 2019 at 6:45 AM
    #26
    phatjoe

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  27. Sep 27, 2021 at 5:37 PM
    #27
    Gamer68

    Gamer68 New Member

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    So here is my question. why not use the spring compressors on the strut assembly while underneath the rig. Why disconnect at all if you are just going to put some leveling spacers in?
     
  28. Sep 28, 2021 at 3:40 AM
    #28
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    There's not enough room.
     
  29. Oct 2, 2021 at 4:18 PM
    #29
    Gamer68

    Gamer68 New Member

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    Thanks for the info Fester. Will used the weight of the truck to compress/decompress the springs. Happy trails.
     
  30. Oct 2, 2021 at 6:31 PM
    #30
    Kfrog

    Kfrog New Member

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    I did replacement of shocks last week, still a little sore from lifting and working with springs. However, I do have a spring compressor like yours that works very well but is a little tight getting on spring and to give me more room ended up cutting 2" off the screws to allow them to fit between the frame. I used the truck jack under the shock to lift shock and get it positioned back in retainer bracket that is a little work but doable. I worked alone as there is not enough room for 2 in that wheel well, all's good.
     
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