After MUCH reading about spring compressors (and my own fear of doing this job), I manufactured my own tool for front spring removal and installation. So far, removal was a BREEZE and I'm happy to say, quite safe (I felt safe at least). I intend on trying the full compression of my new springs for installation soon so I will report on how well that goes.
But I got to thinking; if this works as well as I hope, I would be done with the tool until ?????. So why not have a sticky in the suspension forum. I.E. who has the tool today.
It starts this way:
I have the tool.
UserX needs it.
UserX looks at the sticky, finds out who has it.
UserX contacts me (last user), and pays shipping from me (last user) to himself.
UserX now "signs" for the tool in the above sticky thread.
Now UserX2 can look up and pay shipping from LastUser (UserX) to UserX2...and so on.
I have attached a pic of what I'm using.
This compressor works 2 ways.
For simple removal, the unthreaded offset bar inserts into a low coil. The threaded rod feeds through it and the shock tower hole to the upper part that has the gr8 bolt welded on. Tighten until compressed, drop a-arm, and back off rod to remove spring.
(Planned) installation: the 2 upper parts (offset) sandwich together slipped into an upper coil. The unthreaded part slips into one of the lower coils. Threaded rod feeds through lower (now with inner tube rubber slipped over to protect paint on coils) and into upper (which has guides to keep if from offsetting from center). tighten until desired compression is achieved. Insert and index spring. Attach upper/lower joints. Now, when the threaded rod is completely removed, the upper (clamps) will fall down through the shock hole in the lower a-arm.
Comments/suggestions?????