What did you wind up doing regarding a compressor? I’m kind of leaning towards the floor jack and chain.
Agreed 110 % John . I've never used a compressor either . And I've done a LOT of front springs from Studebakers to Buicks . Trick is to Get the car HIGH enough so the Lower arm swings down and is still at least 2 inches from touching the floor . If you feel scared you can put a chain thru the spring and thru the arm .
Is this possible with 3 ton jackstands? I think they max at 16 inches. New springs is on my long to-do list for the Century
Certainly if put a piece of wood under the jack stand. It may seem high, but once you take the tire off the ground you are pretty much at the height.
https://www.otctools.com/products/front-coil-spring-compressor I bought this. Very happy with it after using it.
The trick is to hook it in the top spring pocket, then put the pry bar in between the lower coils. Put some downward pressure to arc them into the lower pocket on the control arm. Doesnt take much force. I just did @dentboy 's coils that way...twice. He wasn't quite happy with the ride height on the first pair. I think the second set in 45 minutes start to finish
Agreed Jason but I use a variation to that . I use 2 pry bars . 1 under the complete spring and the second in between the 2-3 coil . While lifting up on the bottom bar I push down on thew upper bar . Pops right into place .
If you ever meet my daughter Sarah,she can tell you a big horror story about me almost losing my left thumb and a week in an air splint..I don't ever use the ones that go on the outside of the springs anymore. If the motors in the car I use the jack method as well..
