Coil spring compression tool doesn't fit in my coil springs?

Hey yall,

I'm replacing my old shocks, and have run into a slight problem. All the coil spring compression tools don't fit onto my coil springs because the springs are too close to each other. I rented a tool from auto zone, and when that didn't fit, got a clamshell-style clamp from harbor freight. Both of these tools have the same issue which is that the lip that is supposed to grab the spring can't fit because the coils are too tight. Have other people run into this problem? Any advice?

 

I've used these without any issue many times on stock and aftermarket truck front struts. I tape the ends with electrical tape to avoid scuffing the paint on the coils.

$47 Prokomon Heavy Duty Coil Spring Compressor Tool; 3 Pieces Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Tool with Jaws and Holder; Max Load 2645 Pounds

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PQLRP8W

 

Be very careful.

 

I’ve used these as well. No issues. No bent rods. Still kept some distance and only compressed it enough to get the hat off.

 

I’ve stuck my fingers where I wouldn’t put a carrot before……..

 

I do not like that style of spring compressor.

Not a Tundra, but with my 4Runner on stands, I used a floor jack under the lower control arm with to control the spring…

With spring slightly compressed, remove the shock shaft nut leaving the top hat in place…

Lower jack slowly unloading spring in a controlled manner, replace the shock and/or other components…

Jack LCA to compress the spring, replace/torque shock shaft nut.

Repeat opposite side.

 

Two things.

One, don't use that kind of compressor. They're a death trap. Many of us have used them and lived to tell, but I finally bought a much safer type.

Two, unless you won the lottery have completely unique springs, the tool will fit. It's a matter of angling the clamp on one side, at the widest gap in the coil you can find, and jamming it in. Once you have one end in, try sliding it over whichever direction gets the opposite end it so it's lined up with a wide gap in the coils, and shove it in.

You may need to unthread the shaft all the way so you can get the clamp at the right angle to force it in, then thread it back in once you've got the clamps in the coils.