Heck of a time getting springs compressed and into position.

I used one I purchased from Montgomery wards when they closed. assorted spring caps an a long threaded bolt. Wish I could show a picture.

 

I use a set like the ones in the second picture. They have two hooks at the top and two hooks at the bottom. I install it with the operating nut at the top so I can just use a 1/2" ratchet through the top of the shock tower to compress it. I had to cut the long center bolt to make it shorter because it would hit the bottom spring perch before the spring was compresssed enough. I've done it a dozen times with that tool and it works perfect every time.

 

Some of you may or may not realize it but Scott has no shock towers. He has a MII style suspension and the coil spring is now on the lower A frame.. I am thinking it is tight/dificult working close to the ground using any shaft style compressors..

 

This is why I suggested squeezing the spring in the middle.

 

Where did u get that type of compressor?

 

Rented it from AutoZone for $25 about 15 years ago and never returned it. Best investment I ever made. I removed about 20 pairs of springs so far getting greasable spring perches from early Falcons and Comets at the junkyard or replacing or cutting coil springs on my cars. It is the same compressor shown in the first post in this thread.

 

I have only worked on Mustangs and Cougar, but didn't you compress that spring upside down?
I mean, I like to have the nut coming out of the top of the shock tower.

 

To remove the coil...the fork is too long to fit inside the top of the shock tower is the reason for wrenching it upside down. To remove the spring perch...I put the fork on top of the shock tower and use a ratchet to compress the spring enough to get the spring off the perch.

 

I am thinking about buying my own set, for this exact reason.

Gene is right, I have no shock towers, but the setup is similar, only the larger access hole is in the bottom, and the shock bolt comes out the top, so it is upside down compared to the shocktower setup.

I can get the double-double hook with single screw from JEGS or Summit for $30-40, maybe even harbor freight or Northern Tool. Then I can trim off some of my screw so it doesn't hit at the end.

I have a rented set of the ones like rthomas is using, and they work fine at compressing the spring, but with that big duck-bill sticking out both sides, it makes it hard to put the spring into the correct rotated position. You would have to have those forks sticking in just the right place, and even then, I am not sure I can make it clear both sides to fit it into the correct space, one or the other extending part will hit something.

 

check with Willie at R&C...see what he suggests...

 

I have been lookin at the dbl-dbl hook type and wondering/asking what do the folks use that type might comment on as far as safety is concerned, compared to other type? I have always been hesitant abt removing springs.
This is probably the right time and thread to inquire!

 

Spring compressors always make your a-hole pucker a little. However, I feel relatively safe with the double-double hook style(as they have been "dubbed"). My opinion us they're the lesser of the evils. I wouldn't trust my life or safety with any spring compressor bought from Harbor Freight though. Some things just aren't worth being cheap over.

 

I agree John. I will probably buy one frm Eastwood #49016 the nx time I place an order w/ them. I think the 3 piece unit for $50.00. I have some suspension work to accomplish.
BTW: I viewed all the pix u have on photoshop

 

Try using one hook of two hook puller with a piece of threaded rod through the upper shock mount hole.A couple of washers and the correct size nut will compress the spring. Just have to get the spring in the right position to sit on the lower arm.

 

Me, what pics??