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Spring Compressor Tool

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by Steve6, Dec 30, 2017.

  1. Dec 30, 2017 at 11:58 AM
    #1
    Steve6

    Steve6 [OP] New Member

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    After watching a couple of youtube videos showing the installation of the Bilstein 6112 and 5160 shocks, it seems that this is a very straight forward process. It also appears that there are a number of fairly inexpensive (less than $50) spring compressors available that would make the project even more affordable than purchasing preassemble 6112s.

    Has anyone here purchased or borrowed a compressor tool to use on the Tundra / Bilstein shock that you would recommend? I saw several tools on Amazon that would probably work but I'd like to know which ones will definitely work before I move forward with doing my own installation. BTW, this is for a 3rd generation Tundra.

    Thanks
     
  2. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:12 PM
    #2
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Do you have an Auto Zone, O'Reilly's, or similar near you?? You should be able to rent/borrow compressor from them and save even more scratch.
     
  3. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:16 PM
    #3
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    I purchased the harbor freight one. Time bomb waiting to go off. Scary as the bolts bend with the force. Don’t recommend unless you are an addrenalene junkie looking to risk your life.
     
  4. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:20 PM
    #4
    Black Wolf

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    I didn't mind paying ToyTec a little more scratch to assemble my coil overs. I prefer keeping what body parts I still have left.....
     
  5. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:23 PM
    #5
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    There are certain tools I'd never buy at Harbor Freight...
     
  6. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:23 PM
    #6
    Steve6

    Steve6 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks. There's an Auto Zone and an O'Reilly's close by and I will look into the rentals. The Youtube video on assembling the 6112s showed the poster using a spring compression tool that looked fairly basic. A quick search brought up several tools that looked very similar with some costing less than $20. That's what got me thinking about just buying one as long as it works safely. There's a lot of energy in that spring and I wouldn't want to get smacked if the tool lets loose.
     
    zcarpenter92 and kenomouth64 like this.
  7. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:26 PM
    #7
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I wouldn't go cheap on a spring compressor. Most of the auto stores have pretty decent compressors to use or buy..
     
  8. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:35 PM
    #8
    ColoradoTJ

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    There is a lot of solid advice in here.

    Let me add a little more. Most of the spring compressors at the auto parts store that you can rent, will not fit the spring on the Bilstein 6112.

    Did I use it anyway? Yep, just know that if the spring comes off the bench, there is a lot of energy and it can remove body parts. I only squeezed the spring enough to assemble the top plate, so it wasn’t much. If I was attempting to do the highest setting, I would make sure the kit fits the spring cradles.
     
  9. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:38 PM
    #9
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Having it not fit properly does add some intrigue to the process... Oh man........
     
  10. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:52 PM
    #10
    Steve6

    Steve6 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks. I guess I have the same question about renting or borrowing a spring compressor as I do about buying one. I don't know what size or type I need to compress the 6112 springs.

    There is a Four Wheel parts store in Tucson that was good to deal with when I lifted my Bronco. I may visit them and see what they have to say. The install looked pretty straight forward, especially on a new vehicle where the nuts and bolts aren't rusted yet. I'd like to do this myself so maybe buying preassembled will be the best option.
     
  11. Dec 30, 2017 at 12:52 PM
    #11
    ColoradoTJ

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    Yes it does, every time the ratchet goes click. :D

    You should see what happens when another wrench falling off a bench while performing this task does. Some jump, some shart.
     
  12. Dec 30, 2017 at 1:01 PM
    #12
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Or see what happens when six F-16s decide to blast your neighborhood on their way back to Buckley AFB.....
     
  13. Dec 30, 2017 at 1:02 PM
    #13
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I tossed most of my spring compressors. The one I had from HF was junk, like what @csuviper said. Only one I have left is a snap on one, and that was a pricy one, but still didn’t fit the spring on the 6112.

    I would either purchase them assembled or buy the right tool for the job. Either way, it will cost more. I would opt for the right tool route. Tools can be reused.
     
  14. Dec 30, 2017 at 1:05 PM
    #14
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    ^^^Or Chris....buy this so we can all can come over and use yours. Problem solved...upload_2017-12-30_14-5-39.jpg
     
  15. Dec 30, 2017 at 1:15 PM
    #15
    ColoradoTJ

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    Where I live now, it happens all the time (south of Air Force Academy). I feel your pain. Lucky for me that is only for another 20 days or less.

    How many beers have you spilled due to these F16s?:D
     
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  16. Dec 30, 2017 at 1:25 PM
    #16
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I've still have a good grip although they do have a habit of hauling ass most of the time. The Marine reservists flying F-18's out of Buckley on the weekends really like to show off. Like now.
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2017
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  17. Dec 30, 2017 at 1:41 PM
    #17
    ColoradoTJ

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    Go Devil Dogs!!!
     
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  18. Dec 30, 2017 at 2:01 PM
    #18
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender Old Guys Rule

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    Hey Steve, looks like you're in Tucson. I work out at the base and, if you want, I can take you out to the Auto Hobby Shop.

    They have the right kind of compressor and they'll charge a 1 hour bay charge which I think is $4.

    I'm off till the 8th so I have some free time. Let me know.
     
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  19. Dec 30, 2017 at 2:06 PM
    #19
    Black Wolf

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  20. Dec 30, 2017 at 2:41 PM
    #20
    Steve6

    Steve6 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the generous offer. I used to work on DM and I can still go on base with my retired creds. I hadn't thought of the auto hobby shop as I haven't used it in years. Great idea.
     
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  21. Dec 30, 2017 at 4:58 PM
    #21
    Taco-Blender

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    Well, there you go then.

    They have a compressor like the one in the picture @matluth posted. I used it a while back and was in and out of there in under 30 minutes.

    If you need a hand with anything just holler.

    Cheers
     
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  22. Dec 30, 2017 at 5:27 PM
    #22
    Eclipsed & Floating

    Eclipsed & Floating Over it.........

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    A quick shart would just be prelim
     
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  23. Dec 30, 2017 at 6:21 PM
    #23
    14burrito

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    AutoZone and the like will 99% likely NOT work. The prongs or fingers that clamp on the coil are too thick to actually fit in between the coils and allow the coil to compress and/or be removed especially once the coilovers reassembled at the highest lift adjustment. Just an FYI.
     
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  24. Dec 30, 2017 at 6:22 PM
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    ColoradoTJ

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    :der:
     
  25. Jan 25, 2018 at 8:11 PM
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    csuviper

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  26. Jan 25, 2018 at 9:37 PM
    #26
    scotch

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    I got sick of that cheap-ass crap and bought one of these. No regrets.

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  27. Jan 26, 2018 at 3:58 AM
    #27
    Festerw

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    I buy a case of Coors and stop by my local mechanic. Have a beer or two and bullshit with him while using his wall mounted compressor.

    It may help that he's the only one I use for servicing my vehicles for the last 10 years.

    It's also a 45 minute round trip to pick up a loaner tool that may not work so I don't even bother anymore.
     
  28. Jan 26, 2018 at 4:55 AM
    #28
    Ps3udonymous

    Ps3udonymous Who is the smart ass that changed the title?

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    Best way.... beers and two c-clamps.
     
  29. Jan 26, 2018 at 6:53 AM
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    MacCTD

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    What about using the no spring compressor method used for Tacomas and 4Runners? I have watched a few videos on Youtube, it appears to be perfectly safe with no way for the spring to go anywhere while it is compressed.
     
  30. Jan 26, 2018 at 4:28 PM
    #30
    d0zer

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    I did this with my 4runner, it was trivial. I think I did 5100s and fresh springs on each side in about 1 hour.
     

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