I have been having trouble finding a spring compressor to use to install my coil springs. The ones I have rented/borrowed either have a plate that goes between the coils that is impossible to remove when the spring is compressed after installation or the "blocks" that hold the hooks don't fit through the shock hole in the bottom of the lower control arm. So what brand are you guys using?

I have done this twice, and both times I borrowed the threaded rod with hook arms style of compressor from the local Autozone. You have to dis-assemble the unit to get it out of the spring after installation, but other than that it was painless.

This is what you need, http://www.jcwhitney.com/images/imagecache/I12002.gif I recently ordered mine from JC Whitney, this is the best priced I've found yet. http://www.jcwhitney.com/item.jhtml?ITEMID=19771&BQ=null

[ 03-29-2003, 03:18 PM: Message edited by: ORENCH ]

Both previous posts are DEAD ON.

I have removed the springs in my car 3 times in the last month using the same tool and procedure without a hitch.

The left side of hooks in ORENCH's picture is not needed. Just make sure you chain the spring in case of a misshap.

So you guys are saying those blocks (that hold the hooks) will fit through the shock opening in the lower control arm? I've had two or three of those and those blocks would not fit through the lower control arm. The other problem I had was if they DO fit through they were too big to position to get both hooks to hook the spring. :mad:

I haven't work with the tool yet, in the past I've taken the chain & jack procedure, but I think that if you unscrew the blocks you mention, then screw them when they are inside the ***'y, spring. They aren't gonna fit the coils perfectly but as soon as you start to tighten the screw head, the hooks are supposed to accommodate themself in the spring coils. ;)

That picture is exactly the tool I was describing. It is a bit like building a ship in a bottle, but the blocks and hooks can also be inserted from the side of the spring if the car is jacked up and the spring is fully extended. Inserting the new springs was actually harder as I had to compress the spring about five times until I found the right place and angle to make sure that the compressor did not hit anything when I tried to install the compressed spring.

Yes it will fit through the shock hole. Takes a bit of wiggle but it will fit. Just used the same tool last week.