I need to remove my lower control arms to change the bushings and want to invest in a coil spring compressor. Any particular one (brand) that I should buy? Allen allioop108@aol.com
Yes, I can do that but since I'm a mechanic and like to have my own tools for when I need them and I will be using it more than once, I want to invest in one. Searching the internet I have found some from several vendors, some say they are better constructed then other brands so I was looking for someone's opinion on any particular brand. So once again can anyone make a recommendation. Allen
I just did the front end in my '72. I borrowed one from Auto Zone. It was the worst one I have ever used. It is a new designed one they got it. It does not have the 4 bent fingers like the other I have used in the past. This had a curved fork that slides between the lower coils with the fingers or hooks on top. It worked fine until I went to remove from the spring with everything in place. The fork was jammed against the lower control arm. I had to pull it apart again, remove the spring and move the lower fork. Installed it again and it still hit the control arm after all put together. I had to pry the lower fork out anyway. Once I got it together It was like a chinese puzzle to try to get the top 2 forks out through the lower control arm shock hole. What a PITA!!!!!!!!!!! I guess it beats just using a floor jack, but not by much :rant:
compressor Auto zone and advance sell them. Chevy 2 Only sells a pretty neat one for around $30.00. take a look at it on their web page. www.chevy2only.com
Watch it !!!!!!!!!!! I bought a "Powerbuilt" from Shucks/Kragen/Checkers 2 years ago . These coil Spring Compressors that are in the $30-50 Range are POS" The Steel looks the same but is MUCH Softer than say an OTC / Lisle . They Gall the blocks as you crank them down , also the Screw Stock is softer . Don't Skimp on these tools Pay the Money for the right one . I had to redisign mine to get it to work and it's a bit safer. The blocks that hold the hooks are Galled and torn up and this is only the 3rd. set of springs I've done with it . I went out and bought 5/8" Grade 8 All Thread and 4 Grade 8 nuts to match and remade it now there is no chance for the Screw to come up through the shock hole in the frame. If you would like to see how I did mine let me know and I'll post a pic and describe what I did to it . Steve
You may not even need a compressor. I take them out by placing as floor jack under the control arm. Pop the lower ball joint from the spindle. SLOWLY let the jack down until spring relaxes. Make sure you are by the front bumper when you let the jack down. Do not stand in front of the spring at any time! Once the jack is all the way down and the spring has no tension on it, take a 4 foot pry bar and pop the spring out of the lower seat.....done. For installation, insert the new spring in the upper mount. Take note of the orientation of the lower springs pigtail. Take your 4 foot pry bar and insert it in the first few coils toward the bottom of the spring. Pry down carefully making an arc in the spring until it pops into its seat. Once seated you may still be able to rotate the spring a little to orientate it properly. Jack up the floor jack until you can thread the ball joint castle nut on to the ball joint. 90% of the time, my spring compressor never comes out of my toolbox. If you want an excellent compressor that works like a charm, look at the one Snap On makes. Best one I ever bought! Its not cheap, but worth every penny. Good tools last a lifetime, buy the best
