Anyone use a coil spring compressor?

[TerryMason]

I'm trying to put a new lift on my Jeep, and rented a coil spring compressor from advanced auto (free rental). I read the directions, and it looks like a pretty straight forward tool, but I can't seem to master it.

It's supposed to go inside the spring, and compress the coil, but when trying to do the rear springs, the tool seems to be too long. Are Jeep coils just shorter than normal, or am I missing something?

I managed to do one side today by simply dropping the axle down low enough, then forcing everything back in place. I was just wondering if there was an easier way.

[currupt4130]

All the ones that I've seen are the screw type and we've always used them on the outside of the coils. Just keep screwing till you get to the spring and then go til it compresses. I dunno. If I was home I'd come try and help you out.

[Bounty__Hunter]

Don't use a coil compressor, get 'strut' compressors as they work in pairs on the outside of the coil.

I rarely use them anymore, just unbolt enough of the axle and lower it down until you can pry the springs in and out.

[TwistedCopper]

Originally Posted by Bounty__Hunter

Don't use a coil compressor, get 'strut' compressors as they work in pairs on the outside of the coil.

I rarely use them anymore, just unbolt enough of the axle and lower it down until you can pry the springs in and out.

When I used coil compressors on my XJ I used 2 on each coil. I thought that was a no-brainer.

That said, they screwed up the coating on the springs and next time I'll just unbolt the control arms.

It is an uneasy feeling handling a compressed spring, but they did work.

[TerryMason]

I could see where two compressors would work fine (one on each side of the coil). The one I rented has pretty clear photos and instructions on how to put it in the middle of the coil and hook this single device to both. I just think the jeep coils are too small for this.

I'm doing what BH suggested, and just raising the frame / lowering the axle, then using a long breaker bar to pry the springs in and out. Here's a shot of the compressor that I rented.

[Bounty__Hunter]

TC, what you're describing is what I've always seen called 'strut compressors'. They work much better than coil compressors but likely aren't as safe. I was able to get the 5.5" coils in the front of my MJ without compressing them, but the axle was completely unbolted from the jeep when I was putting it in.

[southtj]

Terry, what kind of lift are you installing? I just ordered a RE 2" budget boost lift and I haven't even looked under there to see what's involved in installing it. I just have to put spacers in and change the shocks so I shouldn't have to remove the coil, right?

Be sure and show us those pics once you finish your lift.

[TerryMason]

south,
I got the RE budget boost as well. I'll be doing a full right up tonight with tons of photos.

I looked in the box and said "oh, this looks like cake". The directions are pretty sparse, so I made alot of mistakes. It took me 2-3 hours to do the first rear wheel, (most of that was just moving to different jack points). Once I got the hang of it, it only took me an hour to do the next one. I'm heading out now to finish the front.

You have to take the coil off the Jeep, and sit the spacer on top, then wedge it all back in place. The coil compressor (at least in theory) will allow you to squeeze the spring without taking everything apart. I've found that it's easier to just unbolt most of the axle parts (tracbar, swaybar, etc) and put it on that way

Here's a photo of the spacer installed with the swaybar disconnected, and the axle dropped.

	Swaybar A sway bar (also stabilizer bar, anti-sway bar, roll bar, or anti-roll bar, ARB) is an automobile suspension device. It connects opposite (left/right) wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsion spring. A sway bar increases the suspension's roll stiffness—its resistance to roll in turns, independent of its spring rate in the vertical direction.

[southtj]

Great, I look forward to the write up.

[Bounty__Hunter]

You have to remove the coil completely to install the spacers, on both ends of the jeep. With a little practice I've been able to get a spacer install down to about an hour each axle.

[jeepin916]

those compressors are so dangerous. unbolt the track bar shocks and losen the control arms and lift up the frame up on stands, take off the tires and let the axle drop, you will be able to take the springs in and out without a problem, thats how i did it on mine when i put on my 4" lift.

	Track bar A track bar is a component of a car suspension system that provides lateral location of the axle. While the purpose of the rear suspension of an automobile is to allow the wheels to move vertically with respect to the body, it is undesirable to allow them to move forward and backwards, or from side to side. It is this latter movement that the track bar is designed to prevent. It is a simple device, consisting of a rigid bar running sideways in the same plane as the rear axle, connecting one end of the axle to the car body or chassis on the opposite side of the vehicle. The bar is attached on either end with pivots that permit it to swivel upwards and downwards only, so that the axle is, in turn, allowed to move in the vertical plane only.