I have an '04 4runner, and I am looking for a little insight. What would you recommend, renting a spring compressor, buying an inexpensive, $40-50 one, or $300+ one. This will only be used to work on my vehicle, not friends trucks, so hopefully I don't have to use it to many times. I appreciate the insight.

I've gotten my mothers worth with the Craftsman spring compressors from Sears. It's fairly cheap and very useful throughout the years. My first set lasted about 5-6yrs before it broke so I took it back to Sears and they gave me a brand new set on the spot.

If installing springs/shocks on your 4Runner only is the use for the compressor, then what I'd do is check with local shops first. They might use their press to compress the coils for you at a cost that's cheaper than buying your own....and this would be safer as well.

O'Reilly (and other auto parts stores) rents spring compressor kits for free. Why spend money buying a tool you only use once or twice?

On my '05, I replaced the stock springs with FJC springs, and I did not need a spring compressor. On the front, undo the 2 bolts on the ball joint plate, put a jack under the LCA, undo the lower shock bolt, then undo the top nut on the shock shaft (NOT the 3 bolts on the upper plate). Lower the jack slowly and when the jack drops down away from the LCA, use a pry bar (or the jack handle) to pry down on the LCA. Pull out shock & loose spring.

On the rear, undo the bottom end of the shocks, and the sway bar brackets on the axle. Swing the sway bar away from the axle. Pull down on the axle and simply pull the spring out by hand. Repeat on other side (make sure you jack up the truck enough before starting - give yourself a good 18" clearance to pull down on either side of the axle. It really is that simple.

When I need to do strut work on my other vehicles, I just "rent" the compressor from AutoZone. About $60 and when I'm done, I get the full $60 back. They basically loan them to you for free, with deposit.