08-25-2020, 12:11 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Kentucky
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Real Name: Robert');DROP TABLE Students;
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Senior Member
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Location: Kentucky
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Real Name: Robert');DROP TABLE Students;
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Coil spring compressors - what are you using?
I need to swap springs on my front coilovers, so I ordered this spring compressor:
Amazon.com: Coil Spring Compressor Tool, Orion Motor Tech Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor,13/16in Socket 1/2in Drive: Automotive
The hooks don't fit between the coils on the unloaded spring, so they are definitely not going to fit between the coils on the compressed spring. I am frustrated. I could probably force them in, but it would wreck the powdercoating and I'm not sure I'd be able to get them back out, so that's not an option. I'm also concerned that they won't fit between the shock body and the coil ID.
These are Toytec boss coilovers, for reference.
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2001 SR5 - Like OEM, only worse (gears, e-locker, armor)
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08-25-2020, 12:16 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Utah
Posts: 4,976
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Location: Utah
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thezentree
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I have the same set. They will not fit on my fox 2.5 coilovers. They fit between the coils, but will not fit between the springs and the shock body. Don't force it - get a different spring compressor tool.
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08-25-2020, 12:21 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Earth, Central Oregun
Age: 53
Posts: 1,196
Real Name: Derek
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Earth, Central Oregun
Age: 53
Posts: 1,196
Real Name: Derek
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Can use your 4runner as a coil compressor.
"No spring compressor method"
Been a number of members that have used it with good success.
Its really not scary.
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2004 T4R 4x4 SR5 v6
Some modifications.
Black-N-Blue
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08-25-2020, 12:22 PM
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#4
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Member
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Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 120
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Location: Austin
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OTC makes a really good wall mounted one but I can't seem to find it from a reputable seller. There is also this style which looks easy enough to fabricate if you don't want to buy it:
Autozone strut compresser
Here's another alternative from OTC:
OTC compresser
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1999 SR5 V6 manual trans 4x4 - Lifted on 35's - Build thread
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08-25-2020, 12:24 PM
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#5
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Elite Member
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Pasadena, CA
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You can get a bit more room to get the spring compressor fingers in/out if you full unscrew the compressor bolt from the "fingers". You can then 'rotate' them in and out between the coils. That doesn't help with the 2.5" body coilovers, but works for all the other options.
-Charlie
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08-25-2020, 12:37 PM
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#6
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Join Date: Oct 2014
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Real Name: Jerod
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Real Name: Jerod
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BackOff
Can use your 4runner as a coil compressor.
"No spring compressor method"
Been a number of members that have used it with good success.
Its really not scary.
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Can it be done with taller springs though? I had to fight it to get my stock sized coils in doing it that way, can't imagine what that would be like to clear another 2 inches.
OP, try the tool rentals at your local Oreilly's or Autozone. It's free as long as you actually return the tool.
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08-25-2020, 12:44 PM
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#7
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Member
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Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: NJ Pine Barrens
Posts: 107
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: NJ Pine Barrens
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thezentree
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I just went through this and was completely bummed out when I could not finish the install by myself. I ended up having to take the components to a shop to have them put it together.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BackOff
Can use your 4runner as a coil compressor.
"No spring compressor method"
Been a number of members that have used it with good success.
Its really not scary.
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I believe this method really only works with stock length struts and springs. I attempted to do this with the 5100 Bilsteins I just installed and I gave up because it appeared that there was no way I was going to be able to drop down the lower arm enough. I have the lower ball joint dis-connected but still had the steering tie-rod attached. Maybe if I disconnected the tie-rod it may have worked but the lower arm would have been almost vertical because I would have had to drop it down so far. Have done this method yourself?
Quote:
Originally Posted by gamefreakgc
Can it be done with taller springs though? I had to fight it to get my stock sized coils in doing it that way, can't imagine what that would be like to clear another 2 inches.
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Exactly....
Last edited by NJ-4Runner; 08-25-2020 at 12:48 PM.
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08-25-2020, 01:26 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Earth, Central Oregun
Age: 53
Posts: 1,196
Real Name: Derek
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Earth, Central Oregun
Age: 53
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Real Name: Derek
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Didnt think of that.
Might not be enough room with longer coils.
Dont think it will work with an adjustable coil either... threaded shock body style.
I have used this method on my 4th gen with a set of Moog fj coils because i could not get the tool out after assembly.
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2004 T4R 4x4 SR5 v6
Some modifications.
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08-25-2020, 01:49 PM
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#9
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Elite Member
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: OBX, NC and Obamaville
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Find a shop with one of these in their hanger to switch them out for you, anything else IMHO just involves too much risk, having known someone where the el cheapos came apart and crushed his left pinky for life:
Model 7600 Professional Strut Spring Compression Tool - Branick
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08-25-2020, 01:59 PM
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#10
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Member
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Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Littleton, CO
Posts: 89
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Littleton, CO
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gamefreakgc
Can it be done with taller springs though? I had to fight it to get my stock sized coils in doing it that way, can't imagine what that would be like to clear another 2 inches.
OP, try the tool rentals at your local Oreilly's or Autozone. It's free as long as you actually return the tool.
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I just installed my struts using the no spring compressor method last night. Link below for a good write up.
OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
I have used this method several times and it has always worked. I used it with Bilstien 5100s with the stock spring set at 2.5" and with a 1.5" spacer and the shock set at 1.75". The second combo was difficult, but still doable without a spring compressor. Given that it netted ~3" of lift I think a 2" lift spring would be doable using this method.
Some important tips:
1. Remove the sway bar. This is super easy and you will save a ton of hassle later on.
2. Make sure you jack your vehicle up as high as possible so that you have plenty of room to push your lower control arm down with the pry bar.
3. Put a jack stand at the opposite corner of the vehicle. This will take some "flex" out of the vehicle and make it easier to pry down.
4. Have a buddy help you. A second set of hands makes this job super quick.
Hope that helps!
Edit: I did not even loosen the CAM bolts. Just undid the two lower ball joint bolts.
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06 Galactic Limited on 33's, Rear locker, Bilstein 5100s, Toytec 2" Superflex Springs, Whitson Metalworks Rack, Squadron Sport Ditch Lights, Dual Viair 450cc Air compressors with 2.5 gal tank, Cobra 75WXST CB Radio
Build Thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ld-thread.html
Last edited by Nickname; 08-25-2020 at 02:03 PM.
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08-25-2020, 02:35 PM
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#11
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Member
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Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: NJ Pine Barrens
Posts: 107
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: NJ Pine Barrens
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickname
I just installed my struts using the no spring compressor method last night. Link below for a good write up.
OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
I have used this method several times and it has always worked. I used it with Bilstien 5100s with the stock spring set at 2.5" and with a 1.5" spacer and the shock set at 1.75". The second combo was difficult, but still doable without a spring compressor. Given that it netted ~3" of lift I think a 2" lift spring would be doable using this method.
Some important tips:
1. Remove the sway bar. This is super easy and you will save a ton of hassle later on.
2. Make sure you jack your vehicle up as high as possible so that you have plenty of room to push your lower control arm down with the pry bar.
3. Put a jack stand at the opposite corner of the vehicle. This will take some "flex" out of the vehicle and make it easier to pry down.
4. Have a buddy help you. A second set of hands makes this job super quick.
Hope that helps!
Edit: I did not even loosen the CAM bolts. Just undid the two lower ball joint bolts.
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Was this on a 3rd generation 4Runner? Your signature states that you have a 2006. It may work on the 2006 but not a 1996-2002 4runner.
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08-25-2020, 02:45 PM
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#12
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Member
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Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Littleton, CO
Posts: 89
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Littleton, CO
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NJ-4Runner
Was this on a 3rd generation 4Runner? Your signature states that you have a 2006. It may work on the 2006 but not a 1996-2002 4runner.
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Yes, sorry. However, I believe the same would apply to a 3rd gen except you would undo the lbj instead of the two bolts near the lbj that the 4th gen has. My buddy has a 3rd gen and used the no spring compressor method. Idk if he had a 2" lift, but I know he has a lift. I haven't been under a 3rd gen in a bit to remember the front suspension setup.
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06 Galactic Limited on 33's, Rear locker, Bilstein 5100s, Toytec 2" Superflex Springs, Whitson Metalworks Rack, Squadron Sport Ditch Lights, Dual Viair 450cc Air compressors with 2.5 gal tank, Cobra 75WXST CB Radio
Build Thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ld-thread.html
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08-25-2020, 03:07 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: denver
Posts: 3,010
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The one they loan at the auto parts store.
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08-25-2020, 03:12 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS
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Real Name: Mark
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thezentree
I need to swap springs on my front coilovers, so I ordered this spring compressor:....
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Cancel that order.!! Use the vehicle and floor jack.
I hate spring compressors and paying. Did this on 96Red and new 01
Did my Tundra 5100's 3 times, just installed 6112's twice playing with lift, position 3 & 4.
Figured it out in 2012. Have knuckle and CVA out of way, LCA swinging free,
top hat hung in place, put strut in place bottom bolt in place, compress strut with jack, top stem bushing washer nut torque it.
6112's settle in may need to play around, 1k mi on them now might be a while.
Last edited by 96RedRunner; 08-25-2020 at 03:24 PM.
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08-25-2020, 03:33 PM
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#15
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 13
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Junior Member
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Location: Houston, TX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thezentree
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They work just fine. I compressed my OME coils down with no issues. The only thing you have to do is completely unscrew the rod out of the hooks and slide them out separately when you've got the springs on the strut.
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