Changing front shocks and springs without a compressor

[gimlithepirate]

Saw this video on another forum, and was slightly confused:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo0FJSi-KYs&feature=youtu.be

In it, rather than using a spring compressor, they install the top hat on the strut, and then lift the LCA to compress the spring back into place. This seems a whole lot safer and easier than using a spring compressor... But it's also a YouTube video which has taught me to be cautious.

Has anybody tried this method on a 4th gen? Am I missing something about it that's actually extremely dangerous?

 

[BagiMT]

I used this method a couple of weeks ago to change out my front springs for 700lb. ones. Worked great. If you do it right there should be no danger. By the time the shock shaft comes out the spring is fully unloaded. the trickiest part getting the shaft back through the top hole. I used a piece of wood to push and direct it while my son operated the jack. Make sure to mark the position of your cam bolts. I only had to loosen the front one.



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[andreylights]

I used this method a couple of weeks ago to change out my front springs for 700lb. ones. Worked great. If you do it right there should be no danger. By the time the shock shaft comes out the spring is fully unloaded. the trickiest part getting the shaft back through the top hole. I used a piece of wood to push and direct it while my son operated the jack. Make sure to mark the position of your cam bolts. I only had to loosen the front one.



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side question -- what kind of added weight do you have to use 700lb springs? I can see from you signature that you have a v6

 

[BackOff]

I had to use this method becasuse the moog FJC coils where so close together that you could not get the tool out after assembly.
This 'no spring compressor' method works really well.

Tip... block the rear/diagonal to keep the suspension from fighting you.

 

[rdruss]

Have used this method twice, once couple years ago to replace xreas shocks and springs with Bilstien/FJ and just two weeks ago to install new KYB top hats and 1" Daystar leveling spacer.
It is very easy and I would never consider using a spring compressor after doing it this way.

 

[BagiMT]

side question -- what kind of added weight do you have to use 700lb springs? I can see from you signature that you have a v6

Full bumper with winch, skids. Usually pretty loaded for camping when out and about. After installing the bumper and winch I lost about 1" and kept hitting the bump stops. Have not been on a trail since I installed the new springs so can't say how they handle. On the road they are fine. Running Icon Overland springs in the back and love them.

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[04rnr]

I hope he didnt tighten the bottom shock bolts tight, while it was lifted, that is bad. It will cause the rubber bushings to twist and bind when lowered to the ground.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

I used this method without a spring compressor today. I replaced my uca’s today with a new pair of high caster from JBA. While I was at it I pulled my Bilsteins and adjusted them from the lowest groove up two for about another 1” of front lift.

 

[andreylights]

Full bumper with winch, skids. Usually pretty loaded for camping when out and about. After installing the bumper and winch I lost about 1" and kept hitting the bump stops. Have not been on a trail since I installed the new springs so can't say how they handle. On the road they are fine. Running Icon Overland springs in the back and love them.

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Very interesting. I have a full bumper with winch (no skids tho) and hated the ride with 730 lbs coils. Gonna try softer (600lbs) this week.

 

[alia176]

I prefer the floor jack method over using spring compressors and I have three different styles. It's safer and way less unnerving.

 

[alia176]

Very interesting. I have a full bumper with winch (no skids tho) and hated the ride with 730 lbs coils. Gonna try softer (600lbs) this week.

Correct me if I"m wrong but doesn't the 600# springs good for stock but 700# good for bumper/winch combo? I have 600# now and bought the King 700# springs to move into once the bumper/winch have been installed. From what I read, 600# might be too soft with the heavy front. However, it's good to know that 730# is a tad too stiff.

 

[andreylights]

Correct me if I"m wrong but doesn't the 600# springs good for stock but 700# good for bumper/winch combo? I have 600# now and bought the King 700# springs to move into once the bumper/winch have been installed. From what I read, 600# might be too soft with the heavy front. However, it's good to know that 730# is a tad too stiff.

Yeah, the spring rate is supposed to be straight-forward but it wasnt so simple in my case.

You have a v8, that is by itself is like a v6 with a bumper and winch lol you should be fine with 700 I would think. I would try a bumper with the current springs and then see from there.