Lowering spring install issue

[its_me_walt]

Hey folks , I have the very common 2 piece spring compression tool which worked fine removing the stock springs from the front struts.

When trying to get the new lowering springs on, the rods of the spring compressors hit the strut body.

Other than cutting the rods shorter, what are my options?

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[StangTime]

You have to flip one of the spring compressors upside down and orient them so the bolts can clear the body. Tighten and check fit. If you need to adjust, back them off, re-position and try again. They must be 180 degrees apart as well. I wish I had pictures of when I did mine.

 

[its_me_walt]

thanks for the heads up, that makes sense.

 

[James1980]

The traditional style compressors are a pain to use on our cars. The tip above should help you get it done.

If you have the time to find one, a clam shell compressor works much better. It makes spring swaps sooo much easier. I have this one. Worth every penny
https://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html

 

[its_me_walt]

Figures I passed that one up assuming it wouldn’t work with strut

 

[StangTime]

I used these "hook" style compressors. Got the job done with a little finagling:

They were dirt cheap and I was only doing this one time.

This style (shown below) may collide with the strut housing plate. These might work upside down (bolt head facing the strut plate) and use a ratchetting or open end wrench instead of an impact driver:

 

[its_me_walt]

i may go get clamshell one, the "flip one" suggestion kinda worked and i got frustrated again. but havent had time to mess with it.

 

[PC_GUARD]

i may go get clamshell one, the "flip one" suggestion kinda worked and i got frustrated again. but havent had time to mess with it.

It's annoying, but you can get it done. The end all be all is having a proper socket for the strut nut. DO NOT BLIP WITH AN IMPACT.

 

[James1980]

i may go get clamshell one, the "flip one" suggestion kinda worked and i got frustrated again. but havent had time to mess with it.

Here's a link to an install video using that spring compressor. It really is that easy. Easier still if you have the ability to clamp the strut into a vice. Skip to 3:05 to see the compressor
watch

I'm sure you can get it done with the tools you have, but if you think you'll ever do this again, get the clam shell one

 

[StangTime]

I agree, the clam-shell style IS the way to go if you plan on doing more than 1 spring change.

 

[its_me_walt]

I ended up cutting my current compressors and finished up. I’ll get to the rear this weekend. Thanks folks

 

[Jjmoberg]

I got tired of fighting with spring compressors years ago between me and all my friends lowering our cars, plus all the cars i have replaced struts on. When i change springs on a strut i leave the top mount attached to the car and just undo the center nut. I support the car with jack stands and put a jack under the control arm and let the jack down slow til the spring extends all the way. Slide the spring off the strut, or remove the strut if you are replacing the strut body. Swap the springs, use the jack to compress it as you guide the center shaft back up through the mount. Put the nut on, put everything back together, let the car down, tighten the center nut all the way. If you dont have to remove much more than the sway bar and tie rod to let the suspension droop enough, you can put 2 springs on your front struts in about an hour.

 

[its_me_walt]

I got tired of fighting with spring compressors years ago between me and all my friends lowering our cars, plus all the cars i have replaced struts on. When i change springs on a strut i leave the top mount attached to the car and just undo the center nut. I support the car with jack stands and put a jack under the control arm and let the jack down slow til the spring extends all the way. Slide the spring off the strut, or remove the strut if you are replacing the strut body. Swap the springs, use the jack to compress it as you guide the center shaft back up through the mount. Put the nut on, put everything back together, let the car down, tighten the center nut all the way. If you dont have to remove much more than the sway bar and tie rod to let the suspension droop enough, you can put 2 springs on your front struts in about an hour.

Holy shit, great idea . Too late for me though lol

 

[Jjmoberg]

Holy shit, great idea . Too late for me though lol

I have blown a lot of minds with that method. Once you have it apart you can replace any part you want. The body, the spring, or the mount. I found the old 2 arm rental compressors dangerous. Its a life saver if you arent replacing the whole strut assembly, because you are just lowering, or need to replace a clunky mount. As well as if you cant find a whole assembly for just doing a high mileage maintenance replacement.

 

[galaxy]

Why the hell has this not been discussed more (or ever, that I can recall), and why the hell did I not think of it?!?!??! Having changed a fair amount of sprigs myself, I cannot come up with a single reason why this wouldn't work. More importantly, I can't even think of a reason why it's not a great idea!

I mean, just for the sake of argument, is there an argument to be made why the other conventional way should be preferred or better?

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