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Spring compressor

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Kblood, Dec 28, 2021.

  1. Dec 28, 2021 at 7:34 AM
    #1
    Kblood

    Kblood [OP] New Member

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    I’m changing my struts from stock to 5100 bilstein struts/shocks. I only have a macpeherson spring compressor I’m wondering if that will work on the factory springs or do I need to get a bigger spring compressor?
     
  2. Dec 28, 2021 at 7:49 AM
    #2
    1UP

    1UP Truck Gang

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    I don't recommend doing it. Find a shop. I went down that road and severly regretted it. Still ended up spending the money to have a shop do it.

    I will NEVER go down that road again. Thank goodness I didn't maim myself.
     
    Tundra-in-Cement likes this.
  3. Dec 28, 2021 at 7:53 AM
    #3
    Dan_Gleesac14

    Dan_Gleesac14 New Member

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    Yea should work just fine, that’s what I used earlier this year. Helps if you have a friend, but totally do-able on your own. Just take your time and make sure everything is where it needs to be.
     
    Hoff and Kblood[OP] like this.
  4. Dec 28, 2021 at 8:01 AM
    #4
    CodyP

    CodyP Such a n00b

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  5. Dec 28, 2021 at 8:17 AM
    #5
    rock climber

    rock climber New Member

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    I used 4 total of the o'reilly rental ones on each spring, it worked, but it is a bit scary. I'd definitely use something more stout, but other than that it's not too terrible of a job.
     
  6. Dec 28, 2021 at 8:24 AM
    #6
    HulkSmurf14

    HulkSmurf14 ...Weighted Average...

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  7. Dec 29, 2021 at 5:07 PM
    #7
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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  8. Dec 29, 2021 at 6:21 PM
    #8
    Sumo91

    Sumo91 Busy with projects

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    Bilstein 8112/8100 3.25in lift Dobinson leaf springs 2.1in lift Level8 MK6 wheels Big ole dent in bedside
  9. Dec 29, 2021 at 7:54 PM
    #9
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    Welcome from NY.
     
  10. Dec 29, 2021 at 8:10 PM
    #10
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    Please just pay a shop that bill and have them do it. A broke jaw or nose or reconstructive surgery is not worth it. Those kits don't even properly fit the giant wire diameter of our springs.
     
  11. Dec 29, 2021 at 8:19 PM
    #11
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    the old widow makers. I’ve swapped all of my 5100’s using those. All bent up and foreboding. I was very careful not to stare down the barrel of those things once compressed.
     
    BlueCrushSC16 likes this.
  12. Dec 29, 2021 at 8:35 PM
    #12
    Chip_Tundra

    Chip_Tundra New Member

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    Get yourself one of these, learn how to use it, or just pay a shop to do it for you. Doesn't matter if others had success with cheap tools. Don't risk your life and get it done the right way.

    71LmFhHL7SL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
     
    AggiePhil likes this.
  13. Dec 29, 2021 at 8:36 PM
    #13
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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    1. I disagree that the one I posted is unsafe at all, but that's my opinion
     
  14. Dec 29, 2021 at 8:47 PM
    #14
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    They are all unsafe. Or at least only as safe as the operator. Your storing a massive amount of energy in a small space. Dangerous indeed.
     
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  15. Dec 29, 2021 at 8:51 PM
    #15
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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    Ok I agree they can all be unsafe if not done correctly. I will just say it was extremely easy and felt very sturdy doing mine. Actually felt stupid after thinking it was gonna be sketchy
     
  16. Dec 29, 2021 at 9:01 PM
    #16
    shawn474

    shawn474 Lego connoisseur

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    I have pondered this a few times…..for the limited amount of times that I will be changing my shocks, I MUCH prefer to pay a local shop to do this job work for me. I can install them and save the labor costs after they do the springs and still get the satisfaction of knowing I saved some $ on that part of it. I have a friend who tried to do this himself and had one of the cheaper tools. Almost literally took his face off. Swore to myself I would never attempt it after that.
     
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2021
    JuanTon21 and alb1k like this.
  17. Dec 29, 2021 at 9:05 PM
    #17
    TILLY

    TILLY Gently Used Member

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    Wood clamp safety back-ups for the win. :thumbsup: :eek:


    Gamblingatshop.jpg
     
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  18. Dec 29, 2021 at 9:09 PM
    #18
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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    At that point I would just let them do the whole job, since u need an alignment after also
     
  19. Dec 29, 2021 at 9:13 PM
    #19
    shawn474

    shawn474 Lego connoisseur

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    i like to wrench and find it therapeutic to be out doing stuff like that. More for my peace of mind than anything else……and often saves a few dollars. Takes longer and pisses my wife off sometimes but maybe that’s part of the appeal
     
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  20. Dec 29, 2021 at 9:17 PM
    #20
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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    I hear that
     
  21. Dec 29, 2021 at 9:18 PM
    #21
    Dalandshark

    Dalandshark Infected with 5G

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    Someone else posted in another thread that they bought one similar to this for around $100. Well worth it. Don’t use the rental ones. I did that twice, didn’t get hurt, but still feel stupid twice.
     
  22. Dec 29, 2021 at 9:27 PM
    #22
    Dalandshark

    Dalandshark Infected with 5G

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  23. Dec 30, 2021 at 7:54 AM
    #23
    HulkSmurf14

    HulkSmurf14 ...Weighted Average...

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    $1000 gofundme program will get me one...otherwise, garage tactics must perform...
     
  24. Dec 30, 2021 at 8:59 AM
    #24
    BlueCrushSC16

    BlueCrushSC16 New Member

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    Yup. Did mine with widow makers. You have to be confident and careful in what you're doing compressing the spring evenly as you go.
     
    Rodtheviking likes this.
  25. Dec 30, 2021 at 9:10 AM
    #25
    Rodtheviking

    Rodtheviking New Member

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    I bought two sets from Harbor Freight and used three of the screws to do mine, just go slow and NO impact gun. Lining them up properly is a pain though, pay attention to the top hat alignment.
     
  26. Dec 30, 2021 at 9:12 AM
    #26
    BlueCrushSC16

    BlueCrushSC16 New Member

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    LOL. I used an impact gun. I like living life a little dangerously.
     
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  27. Dec 30, 2021 at 9:12 AM
    #27
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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    I found this a plus as far as lining up

    41s--D-xWzL._AC_.jpg
     
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  28. Dec 30, 2021 at 9:16 AM
    #28
    Sumo91

    Sumo91 Busy with projects

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    This. I love this spring compressor, not sketchy whatsoever, no bending or bowing. And compressed my springs with ease.
     
  29. Dec 30, 2021 at 9:19 AM
    #29
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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    Yeah I was very impressed with it. But I get people not trusting them, I just felt it was super locked in place and hardly any resistance cranking it down
     
    Sumo91[QUOTED] likes this.
  30. Dec 30, 2021 at 9:38 AM
    #30
    biebs96

    biebs96 my other truck is a big brown truck

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    Those things scare me for sure.
    Find a local mechanic and I bet you’ll be happier.
    My shop swapped out my shocks with 5100s and uninstalled/reinstalled the entire assembly for $250. Worth every penny to me, and I am someone who is not afraid to tear stuff apart.
     
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