i just bought some tein s tech springs for my del sol...didnt want to spend to much on coilovers right now..but i was wondering if i need to get a spring compressor to put them in and take my old ones out? im going to do it myself looked for some threads on ht but the way it searches makes me sort through 100 pages haha

 

You should use a spring compressor to remove the stock springs.

I didn't. I shot the upper mounts into an extra tire (unmounted) instead. However, this approach risks damaging the threading on the top of the shock shaft. I wasn't re-using my shocks, but it sounds like you will...

 

haha ok, ya i just wanna use the ones on it for now..tryin to keep costs low at the moment..dont reall wanna lose an arm either haha

 

Renting a spring compressor should be free, or nearly free, from a local parts place (Pep Boys, Kragens, etc...)

 

most parts stores have started loaner tool you leave like 20 dollars dwn or something and then you borrow the tool then bring it back and get your cash back

 

Autozone puts a temp charge on your card and refunds it when you bring it back.

 

you dont need spring compressors
just stand on the shock/spring assembly (laying on its side on the ground)
and just undop the tophat....

aim the shock tube at something you dont care about, b/c itll shoot out about10 ft

its not that violent, dont be scuuuured

 

I just loosened the top hat while it was on the car. No shooting at all..

 

that depends on the car. some cars have long *** stock springs and will make it nearly impossible to get the assembly out if u let it extend inside the suspension

 

As most have said, no you don't absoluty need one.
I prefer not to use them they can be a pain in the ***.
Also the springs really don't move to far, the fronts do pop out with some force though.

 

I hardly ever use a spring compressor. I step on the spring, use a tire against the back of the impact so it wont' move and place another tire about 2-6" away from the shock.

 

Use a spring compressor. Do you really wanna roll the dice?

Jackstands, safety glasses, etc.

 

well i did the 1st one with no comressor...wow..that thing shot out like a cannon..i said i like my fingers to much and it was real easy with the tool from autozone...i forgot there was one like a 1/2 mile away!! thanks for the input guys

 

Make sure not to listen to the other guys who told you to risk your fingers and eyes, again. Seriously thats some bad advice. At least the first guy told you to use a tire. Glad one of the members told u to be safe and not wing it like its a flash light spring.

 

why the hell would anyone ever do that.
besides, how are you supposed to get the new spring back on? are you going to sit on it?

 

new springs are s techs, should be short enough not to have to compress

harbor freight has cheapie spring compressors for 10 bucks. the biggest risk with the spring cannon method is damaging the threads or your fingers if you have your hands anywhere within striking distance of the spring. i really hate doing the pop a spring method unless you have weight down on it and can keep it from flying off when you turn the last thread.

 

Good advice. Better to take the extra 20 mins wrench time and save a potential injury.

 

if i were you i would use spring compressors for the stock spring cuz you can blow your struts out if you dont plus its kind of dangerous but you should be able to get the new springs on without them

 

ya after the whole 1st spring shootin out like a connon i was like ummm ya..time to go to autozone...thats cheaper than losing fingers!!

 

LOL

i have to hear this

how does one blow out a strut not using a spring compressor?

all ears here.

 

Just take to a shop and have them take it on/off for you. They might charge you like what? $20-$30? Small price to pay for not risking your fingers, or other body parts you dont want broken.

 

Everyone should promote safety. I know it's not necessary to use a spring compressor I know i didn't..well my friend didn't as I stood 100 ft away. But it's never worth it risking injury for something stupid specially when the tool is free.

at least you didn't have to learn the hard way

 

When I had an accord I changed the springs without a compressor. Also had a nice shock nut sized welt on my arm to prove it. The second one fired off into my arm when I took the old springs off. Still, was quicker.