Help! I think I am using a crappy spring compressor! I am installing(trying to) new front springs and the compressor I have wont fit in thru the hole at the top of the shock tower. What kind of compressor are you guys using? The factory manual has a special compressor that doesn't go through the hole at the top. I don't think those are available through the aftermarket, but any advice would be nice.
yyyuuucckkk my story w/spring compressors is not fun, but I did learn a few things........ I used a compressor that was a thru the top kind and had to use a short pipe (3" or so) to make the thing work (between the bolt head and the upper hook dealy thing) also, make sure, if so equipped, that the hooks are aligned in relation to the side of the spring to be compressed:confused: one hook is longer than the other ......found that out after scary moments FORCED me to read the directions......if you could, my advice is find a front end shop and pay the $50 to have them done........Robert
I cut a coil off my springs a few weeks ago and I used the loaner tool program from Auto Zone. I do not know the name of the brand but it worked very well. It only took me about an hour and a half to do both coils. It was a three piece type that dropped in through the hole after removing the shock. Impact guns are our friends. If you are trying to pull one down with a ratchet - it probably is pretty difficult to keep everything in line. Cleaver
Got one side done. A freind had a compressor that was similar to the one Ford had in their manual. It is a flat plat that goes over the top of the shock tower and has just two hooks on the bottom. Very stable, but you have to pull the upper control arm out to remove the spring. Here is a ppic or two. BTW, if anybody needs stock 302 springs, lemme know.
If you have the type with four hooks (two on each end) you should still be able to make it fit. With the one I have I had to unscrew it 'til the hooks were almost completely off the threads and then fold the hooks back so that they would fit through the spring. Sorta hard to visualize but it worked for me.
I bought one of these ... works with the 4-hook type ... worked great ... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...tem=7902604251&category=34200&sspagename=WDVW
I have a four hook type, bought it from Eastwood. Had to weld a nut on the opposite end from what was supplied so that I could turn it from above the shock tower.
I have the four hook compressor and had to do the same thing as Barry did to make it work right. I also found that by dropping the top set of hooks below the nut, and holding them closed with a wire tie, makes it much easier to work them down into the coil. Then just snip it off once its in place.
