1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

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

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #27526
    Messages:
    411
    Gender:
    Male
    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

    Joined:
    May 9, 2016
    Member:
    #3336
    Messages:
    1,469
    NV
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 CM 4X4
    ProComp 7" 35/12.50/18 -11
    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

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #27526
    Messages:
    411
    Gender:
    Male
    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

    Sas Humor is everywhere

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2018
    Member:
    #17087
    Messages:
    4,407
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    OKC, OK
    Vehicle:
    '17 SR5 CM TSS 4WD MGM 5.7 FF
    Lost track after #1.
    Bravohook and sundance[OP] like this.
  5. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:47 AM
    #5
    P-Factor

    P-Factor New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2019
    Member:
    #26094
    Messages:
    1,043
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited Double Cab
    TRD Sway Bar, TRD Exhaust, TRD Cold Air Intake
    Yoda1, Uhhhh.... and sundance[OP] like this.
  6. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:56 AM
    #6
    jeremyd

    jeremyd 2014 Crewmax SR5

    Joined:
    May 9, 2016
    Member:
    #3336
    Messages:
    1,469
    NV
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 CM 4X4
    ProComp 7" 35/12.50/18 -11
    chugs and sundance[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  7. Jun 5, 2019 at 6:56 AM
    #7
    Jrharvey02

    Jrharvey02 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2018
    Member:
    #19822
    Messages:
    1,114
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tundra CM 5.7 Platinum Dark Black
  8. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:00 AM
    #8
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #27526
    Messages:
    411
    Gender:
    Male
    Thank You Gentlemen! I really appreciate the help.
     
    P-Factor likes this.
  9. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:01 AM
    #9
    Tundradrenalin

    Tundradrenalin New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2018
    Member:
    #13589
    Messages:
    331
    Gender:
    Male
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC Black TRD nonPRO
    Methods, Toyos, Kings, TCs, CBs
    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

    Joined:
    May 7, 2017
    Member:
    #7600
    Messages:
    3,847
    Gender:
    Male
    Cambridge Springs, PA
    Vehicle:
    04 Tundra DC
    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

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2018
    Member:
    #17957
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2014 SilverSky DC TRD Limited
    FRAC, Console safe, Amazon special-console organizer, Rhino liner, Pace Edwards retractable tonneau cover, Drivers side swing case, AJT shift knob and matching key fob!, Interior trim De-chrome with Faux carbon wrap, color matched door handles and mirror covers, Maxpider 3D Floor mats, Custom Dog bed in DC area, BFG Radial TA KO tires, 18 x9 +20 Fuel Shok wheels, Toytec Boss 3:1(shackles), White Knuckle offroad sliders w/diamond plate step, Bumper skins, Blackout badges, Firestone airbags, RCI skid,
    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

    Joined:
    May 9, 2016
    Member:
    #3336
    Messages:
    1,469
    NV
    Vehicle:
    2014 SR5 CM 4X4
    ProComp 7" 35/12.50/18 -11
    Being scared is good !! It keeps you alive, Lol
     
  13. Jun 5, 2019 at 7:38 AM
    #13
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #27526
    Messages:
    411
    Gender:
    Male
    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

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #27526
    Messages:
    411
    Gender:
    Male
    Ain't that that the truth!
     
  15. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:15 AM
    #15
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2016
    Member:
    #4360
    Messages:
    2,355
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    North Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black Crewmax Mid Travel
    Mid travel fox 2.5 coilovers 2.0 real shocks shims 295 70 18 trail grapplers pro accessories 32in light bar blacked out bed cover sway bar Moto metal 970 18x9
    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.
     
    sundance[OP] likes this.
  16. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:28 AM
    #16
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #27526
    Messages:
    411
    Gender:
    Male
    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

    justfortun New Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2016
    Member:
    #3484
    Messages:
    418
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Boston
    Vehicle:
    2016 SR5
    sundance[OP] likes this.
  18. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:40 AM
    #18
    MAK

    MAK Searching for Gnarnia

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2018
    Member:
    #17957
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2014 SilverSky DC TRD Limited
    FRAC, Console safe, Amazon special-console organizer, Rhino liner, Pace Edwards retractable tonneau cover, Drivers side swing case, AJT shift knob and matching key fob!, Interior trim De-chrome with Faux carbon wrap, color matched door handles and mirror covers, Maxpider 3D Floor mats, Custom Dog bed in DC area, BFG Radial TA KO tires, 18 x9 +20 Fuel Shok wheels, Toytec Boss 3:1(shackles), White Knuckle offroad sliders w/diamond plate step, Bumper skins, Blackout badges, Firestone airbags, RCI skid,
    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

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #27526
    Messages:
    411
    Gender:
    Male
    MAK likes this.
  20. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:53 AM
    #20
    MAK

    MAK Searching for Gnarnia

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2018
    Member:
    #17957
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2014 SilverSky DC TRD Limited
    FRAC, Console safe, Amazon special-console organizer, Rhino liner, Pace Edwards retractable tonneau cover, Drivers side swing case, AJT shift knob and matching key fob!, Interior trim De-chrome with Faux carbon wrap, color matched door handles and mirror covers, Maxpider 3D Floor mats, Custom Dog bed in DC area, BFG Radial TA KO tires, 18 x9 +20 Fuel Shok wheels, Toytec Boss 3:1(shackles), White Knuckle offroad sliders w/diamond plate step, Bumper skins, Blackout badges, Firestone airbags, RCI skid,
    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

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2016
    Member:
    #4360
    Messages:
    2,355
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    North Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black Crewmax Mid Travel
    Mid travel fox 2.5 coilovers 2.0 real shocks shims 295 70 18 trail grapplers pro accessories 32in light bar blacked out bed cover sway bar Moto metal 970 18x9
    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
     
    reneaux likes this.
  22. Jun 5, 2019 at 9:10 AM
    #22
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2016
    Member:
    #4360
    Messages:
    2,355
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    North Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black Crewmax Mid Travel
    Mid travel fox 2.5 coilovers 2.0 real shocks shims 295 70 18 trail grapplers pro accessories 32in light bar blacked out bed cover sway bar Moto metal 970 18x9
    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.
     
    reneaux and MAK[QUOTED] like this.
  23. Jun 5, 2019 at 9:14 AM
    #23
    djhase

    djhase member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2019
    Member:
    #29875
    Messages:
    194
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Southern Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2019 Silver Tundra TRD
    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

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2016
    Member:
    #4360
    Messages:
    2,355
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    North Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black Crewmax Mid Travel
    Mid travel fox 2.5 coilovers 2.0 real shocks shims 295 70 18 trail grapplers pro accessories 32in light bar blacked out bed cover sway bar Moto metal 970 18x9
    Spring compressor are sketchy I won’t use em either.
     
  25. Jun 5, 2019 at 9:47 AM
    #25
    sundance

    sundance [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #27526
    Messages:
    411
    Gender:
    Male
    Sounds good. Thanks for the info I appreciate it.
     
    xtyfighterx[QUOTED] likes this.
  26. Jun 10, 2019 at 6:45 AM
    #26
    phatjoe

    phatjoe New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2018
    Member:
    #13195
    Messages:
    103
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Pro Voodoo Blue
  27. Sep 27, 2021 at 5:37 PM
    #27
    Gamer68

    Gamer68 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2021
    Member:
    #61261
    Messages:
    29
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Vehicle:
    2016 Toyota Tundra limited
    2.5 front lift//Hooke Road Front Bumper w/lightbar//20" Black spoke Fuel Wheels//Weather Tech Floor mats//Black Waterproof seat covers//Hard tri-fold tonneau cover//
    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

    Joined:
    May 7, 2017
    Member:
    #7600
    Messages:
    3,847
    Gender:
    Male
    Cambridge Springs, PA
    Vehicle:
    04 Tundra DC
    There's not enough room.
     
  29. Oct 2, 2021 at 4:18 PM
    #29
    Gamer68

    Gamer68 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2021
    Member:
    #61261
    Messages:
    29
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Vehicle:
    2016 Toyota Tundra limited
    2.5 front lift//Hooke Road Front Bumper w/lightbar//20" Black spoke Fuel Wheels//Weather Tech Floor mats//Black Waterproof seat covers//Hard tri-fold tonneau cover//
    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

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2021
    Member:
    #65562
    Messages:
    81
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra SR-5
    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.
     
To Top