what are your guys methods of putting lowering springs on without using a spring compressor? just curious cus i got skunk2 springs that are just lying around.

 

I leave the car sitting on the ground, then undo the nut that is on top of the strut, then jack up the car slowly, that was there is no tension on the spring, but it really is better to get a compressor. You can get cheap ones at autozone etc.

 

There like 50 bucks at sears. But I get a discount

 

i have no job and im running on student loans right now. haha i dont have the spare cash to throw out on a spring compressor.

 

Then you dont want to lower your car...lowering springs will prematurely fail your struts and you will most likely brake some bolts and need to press in new bushings. If you can't do it properly don't do it. Not using a compressor is not the safest way to do this.

 

never used a compressor for puttin lowering springs on..stock springs on maybe..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by swifty4u &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">never used a compressor for puttin lowering springs on..stock springs on maybe..</TD></TR></TABLE>

X2
Just zip the nut off with a gun and the new springs will be shorter so you wont really have to compress it at all. If you do a friend pushing down should be more than enough to get the nut started then you can zip it all the way on with a gun

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crx Jimmy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

X2
Just zip the nut off with a gun and the new springs will be shorter so you wont really have to compress it at all. If you do a friend pushing down should be more than enough to get the nut started then you can zip it all the way on with a gun </TD></TR></TABLE>

Never had a problem just using air tools either.

 

i know where someone could make you a very cheap set for 15+ shipping... i used them and they worked awesome... i can see if i have pics of them still... worked really well...

 

Taking off lowering springs you don't need a compressor but for the stock springs you do, they will shoot off (speak from watching a friend do it). They are $40 to rent at Autozone, and when you take it back you get your money back. But good luck!

 

lay down stock strut tower on its side, get your 14mm or 12mm or what ever size the nut is holding on the top hat. start loosesning it. when its getting close to the end, put your foot on the spring and press down, then undo the bolt. the strut shoots out what ever way u pointed it, and the spring/top hat stay put.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by welfarepc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">lay down stock strut tower on its side, get your 14mm or 12mm or what ever size the nut is holding on the top hat. start loosesning it. when its getting close to the end, put your foot on the spring and press down, then undo the bolt. the strut shoots out what ever way u pointed it, and the spring/top hat stay put.</TD></TR></TABLE>

ha yea it isnt gonna kill you even if it hits you probably leave a little bruise but just dont point it near anyone lol

 

well im gonna do that then haha, its jsut so i can look better ya feel me? I got 16x7's on there and having that 4x4 stock stance just ****** sucks *****. its gonna be getting full suspension after tech school so i really dont care about stock parts going bad.

 

im gonna use the method that DPR_CRX mentioned sounds like the best idea i just gotta wait for my friend to let me use is impact wrench and ill post pictures, i gotta put my LS motor back together though so you might not see pics for a good minute.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cbp_crx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I leave the car sitting on the ground, then undo the nut that is on top of the strut, then jack up the car slowly, that was there is no tension on the spring.</TD></TR></TABLE>

THIS DOESNT WORK WITH STOCK SPRINGS.

its a great method when replacing aftermarket springs, especially coilovers. however it doesnt work removing STOCK FRONT springs because the spring is so preloaded that even with the car jacked all the way up, it wont remove all the tension. then if you remove the pinch bolt and try to lower the wishbone, it will STILL have force against it and push it into the axle. then youre STUCK.

(yes, i know this from experience! i tried it thinking it would be easier too....)

like i said, great method with aftermarket springs, but simply wont work with stock front springs. in the rear, you dont need spring compressors, even with stock springs. the preload is too little.

as for cheap spring compressors, i use these. theres often a sale for under $10. or go to a flea market/swap meet. you can haggle them for under $12 (thats how i got my second set...)
http://www.harborfreight.com/c...=3980

you have to disassemble the single jaw from the threaded rod first. the pry it between two of the higher up coils. then use the bottom double jaw to clamp under the spring perch. and thread the rod through both jaws.

or... just rent the spring compressor from autozone. FREE.

 

Dude, just lay the deposit down at AutoZone and use their compressors. It will save you time and possibly having a spring shot in your face. Just hold on to your receipt and don't mess them up (very hard to do) and you'll be fine.

Mike

 

alright alright. ill go rent one haha.

 

Ratchet straps, two per spring, 180 degrees appart.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JohnnieChimpo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ratchet straps, two per spring, 180 degrees appart.</TD></TR></TABLE>

X2, that is exactly how I used to do it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tyson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

THIS DOESNT WORK WITH STOCK SPRINGS.

its a great method when replacing aftermarket springs, especially coilovers. however it doesnt work removing STOCK FRONT springs because the spring is so preloaded that even with the car jacked all the way up, it wont remove all the tension. then if you remove the pinch bolt and try to lower the wishbone, it will STILL have force against it and push it into the axle. then youre STUCK.

(yes, i know this from experience! i tried it thinking it would be easier too....)

like i said, great method with aftermarket springs, but simply wont work with stock front springs. in the rear, you dont need spring compressors, even with stock springs. the preload is too little.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

works with the front stock springs too.. just have to use a box end wrench on the nut and put the strut between two wheels/tires laying on the ground.. it makes the wheels jump an inch or so when you relieve the tension, but otherwise has always worked for me.. I had a spring compressor once, but it was really made for bigger springs, didn't really fit between the coils on Hondas though.. I've borrowed ones that fit, and they work well... OP just make sure you get one that's sized correctly and avoid my mistake

it isn't easy getting the fronts off, you're right.. it takes some wrestling


Modified by IT GUY at 9:29 AM 8/7/2007

 

rename this thread 'best way to self circumsize self with rusty spoon'.

Rent it, take your shocks to a shop. DO SOMETHING besides taking it off without a compressor. not only is it the totally wrong way to do it, but flying springs or shocks are not fun.

 

and thats why i said i am renting a compressor but im not im borrowing one from a friend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by biggee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Then you dont want to lower your car...lowering springs will prematurely fail your struts and you will most likely brake some bolts and need to press in new bushings. If you can't do it properly don't do it. Not using a compressor is not the safest way to do this.</TD></TR></TABLE> i agree totally. i did mine with no compressor but i also changed all the rubber undernieth at the same time