In vehicle spring compressor for new Bilstein 5100's.

Okay group, I have a question. So I have bought Bilstein 5100's for all four corners and am going to install them at home when I have a free day. I have seen mixed comments about compressing the spring for both removal and installation. I have watched a few video's about compressing the spring in the the vehicle and many have said it is much easier and safer, is this true and is it a viable option. The plan is to put the fronts on the middle setting and since my truck has 78,000 miles, I am probably going to buy new spring top hats just so everything is new. Advice and comments are appreciated. Thank you.

 

Lookup YouTube videos about how to swap coilovers without a spring compressor. If you’re mechanically inclined, it’s possible. Basically you leave the truck on the ground and undo the top bolt and top hat bolts. Do some other stuff and slowly lift the truck off the spring and it pretty much falls out under zero tension.

Get comfortable with the entire process before you try it on your own, but I’ve done a few swaps this way, including one trail repair like that.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am very mechanically inclined and was actually looking at the thought of doing it this way. Seemed like a pretty viable option and actually safer than some cheap spring compressor from Autozone.

 

Yeah, if you’ve ever used a spring compressor, you know fear.