Coilover Spring Swap Question

[SAC-CA-Runner]

I'm going to be swapping my springs from 650lb to 14" 700lb springs and was wondering what spring compressor people have used to compress the 3" springs. I typical one won't work as the coils are too close. And yes, I know you don't need a compressor to take the complete spring/shock out and probably to take the 650lb spring out because it's shorter, but I know with the 14" I will. Plus...makes it easier to loosen the collar!

This is what I have and used before on springs that are bigger, but don't think these will work on the tiny 3" springs.

https://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-63262.html

 

[4rcybr]

I just did research on this (my coilovers were assembled two days ago now), so let me share what I found.

I've heard nothing but frightening things about using the little compressors (like the one you linked) with springs of this sort. The little manual ones are primarily for passenger sedans and the like-not 14" 700lb coils. Will they work? maybe. I've seen some reports of people using them succesfully, and a few reports of injury.

Personally, I took my springs/shocks to a local shop with a wall mounted spring compressor and had them assemble it-they didn't even charge me (of course I'd just bought my rear springs through them, so YMMV). They had a compressor like this: https://www.amazon.com/Branick-7600-Strut-Spring-Compressor/dp/B00MMLG9ZU (don't know if that's the actual model-just looked similar).

I would highly recommend you do the same-it doesn't seem worth the risk or the cost of buying a serious spring compressor for something you're only going to do every couple of years.

 

[TowMeOut]

I just swapped out my front stock Xreas setup with Tacoma TRD springs using the "No spring compressor method". It was pretty straightforward. You can find several threads with a variety of the finer points. You're basically supporting a front corner with a jackstand under the frame while compressing the suspension, loosening the top nut, then slowly letting the jack down. Once the spring pressure is released you can remove the old shock/spring, install the new parts, and reverse the procedure.

There wasn't any point in this where I was like "woah, that's kind of spooky" as compared to using a really sketchy spring compressor with the entire coilover assembly removed. Check it out....

 

[NinjaOne]

I just swapped out my front stock Xreas setup with Tacoma TRD springs using the "No spring compressor method". It was pretty straightforward. You can find several threads with a variety of the finer points. You're basically supporting a front corner with a jackstand under the frame while compressing the suspension, loosening the top nut, then slowly letting the jack down. Once the spring pressure is released you can remove the old shock/spring, install the new parts, and reverse the procedure.

There wasn't any point in this where I was like "woah, that's kind of spooky" as compared to using a really sketchy spring compressor with the entire coilover assembly removed. Check it out....

Would that work to assemble a threaded coilover? I don't think it would

 

[SAC-CA-Runner]

I just swapped out my front stock Xreas setup with Tacoma TRD springs using the "No spring compressor method". It was pretty straightforward. You can find several threads with a variety of the finer points. You're basically supporting a front corner with a jackstand under the frame while compressing the suspension, loosening the top nut, then slowly letting the jack down. Once the spring pressure is released you can remove the old shock/spring, install the new parts, and reverse the procedure.

There wasn't any point in this where I was like "woah, that's kind of spooky" as compared to using a really sketchy spring compressor with the entire coilover assembly removed. Check it out....

It's not the getting the spring out or the whole unit out that's the problem. Plus, that method won't work on a CO.

Just talked to a place that wanted $125 to do it. $270 to do it if they are on the vehicle. LOL Bay Area. What a joke.

 

[TowMeOut]

Ah....I missed the "adjustable collar" part. So these don't have a top nut like the stock coilover shock setup?? I'm trying to visualize how these are set up but it seems like this method would still work. I've heard of folks changing their 5100 settings in the front by loosening everything up, popping out the snap-ring, and moving the spring seat up/down. Who knows.....

 

[Soul-Surfer]

I'm going to be swapping my springs from 650lb to 14" 700lb springs and was wondering what spring compressor people have used to compress the 3" springs. I typical one won't work as the coils are too close. And yes, I know you don't need a compressor to take the complete spring/shock out and probably to take the 650lb spring out because it's shorter, but I know with the 14" I will. Plus...makes it easier to loosen the collar!

This is what I have and used before on springs that are bigger, but don't think these will work on the tiny 3" springs.

https://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-63262.html

I just finished using one similar to the one you linked. I rented it from Oreilly's today and swapped out fj coils and Trd shocks for OME 884 and nitrocharger shocks. the spring compressor was pretty straight forward, go slow, us it on the floor and if all possible use two separate ratchets to move each side in incrementally. I was pretty afraid given what everyone has to say about these but it was pretty easy. I think the hardest part was making sure that the hooks on the compressor that link over the coil don't push the strut out of alignment so you can get the top cap on. Just make sure its well seated on the spring and take your time.

 

[SAC-CA-Runner]

I just finished using one similar to the one you linked. I rented it from Oreilly's today and swapped out fj coils and Trd shocks for OME 884 and nitrocharger shocks. the spring compressor was pretty straight forward, go slow, us it on the floor and if all possible use two separate ratchets to move each side in incrementally. I was pretty afraid given what everyone has to say about these but it was pretty easy. I think the hardest part was making sure that the hooks on the compressor that link over the coil don't push the strut out of alignment so you can get the top cap on. Just make sure its well seated on the spring and take your time.

Yeah, these will work on normal McPherson coils and shocks as those are bigger and have more spacing, but they won't work on coilover shocks and springs. They are smaller diameter, closer spring spacing, etc. I found a place, unfortunately I'm going to have to pay for them to do it. Guess it beats paying for a tool I'll use once.

 

[Drunner97]

Ah....I missed the "adjustable collar" part. So these don't have a top nut like the stock coilover shock setup?? I'm trying to visualize how these are set up but it seems like this method would still work. I've heard of folks changing their 5100 settings in the front by loosening everything up, popping out the snap-ring, and moving the spring seat up/down. Who knows.....

Coilovers come apart at the bottom and you have to have the spring tension removed before you can do that. The no compressor method only works with replacement shocks, 5100s, OME, etc, that have the top nut.
[MENTION=29083]SAC-CA-Runner[/MENTION] I'd keep looking around. I've heard everything from 50 bucks for both at a Good Year tire, to 40-50 bucks each at an off road shop. I'm getting my 650s swapped for 700s tomorrow through a buddy's friend and I think it's going to cost me about 80 or something like that.

 

[gm350reratliff]

A wall mounted spring compressor may not be the only way but it is definitely the safest way. I would find a friend or shop that has one and let them do it. The "no spring compressor method" works good for the OEM style CO's.

 

[Macallan]

I have one of these. Works great.

 

[Drunner97]

I have one of these. Works great.

800 dollars later. It's in the plans eventually for me.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[techoguy]

Coilovers come apart at the bottom and you have to have the spring tension removed before you can do that. The no compressor method only works with replacement shocks, 5100s, OME, etc, that have the top nut.

[MENTION=29083]SAC-CA-Runner[/MENTION] I'd keep looking around. I've heard everything from 50 bucks for both at a Good Year tire, to 40-50 bucks each at an off road shop. I'm getting my 650s swapped for 700s tomorrow through a buddy's friend and I think it's going to cost me about 80 or something like that.

Why do the spring compressors not work on CO?

I thought I'd be able to use one of these to compress the spring, rotate and remove the lower collar, then the spring comes right off. But I haven't tried yet.

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[Drunner97]

Why do the spring compressors not work on CO?

I thought I'd be able to use one of these to compress the spring, rotate and remove the lower collar, then the spring comes right off. But I haven't tried yet.

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The spring compressors from Autozone are meant for cars and light truck stock coils. Once you start getting into higher spring rates (650, 700) they aren't strong enough to compress the spring without risking damaging the tool. If that tool snaps while you have one of these springs under pressure, the risk of death is very high. That's where the wall mounted or floor mounted ones work better because they're stronger and the chances of the spring popping out under pressure is a lot lower.

edit: I took mine to Goodyear Tires this weekend, paid 100 bucks to get the coils swapped. 50 bucks per side.

 

[techoguy]

The spring compressors from Autozone are meant for cars and light truck stock coils. Once you start getting into higher spring rates (650, 700) they aren't strong enough to compress the spring without risking damaging the tool. If that tool snaps while you have one of these springs under pressure, the risk of death is very high. That's where the wall mounted or floor mounted ones work better because they're stronger and the chances of the spring popping out under pressure is a lot lower.

Aren't the standard coilovers the same spring rate as stock? I understand what you're saying if you replace the springs for higher rated ones, but then it's more that these shouldn't be used for springs rated over say 600lbs vs COs in general. Sadly, on the tools specs I never see a max spring rate they can be used on. I do agree a wall mount or floor mounted unit is much safer.

 

[Drunner97]

Aren't the standard coilovers the same spring rate as stock? I understand what you're saying if you replace the springs for higher rated ones, but then it's more that these shouldn't be used for springs rated over say 600lbs vs COs in general. Sadly, on the tools specs I never see a max spring rate they can be used on. I do agree a wall mount or floor mounted unit is much safer.

Standard upgrade is 650 lbs on coilovers. No clue what stock rate is, but I'd guess closer to 500. I know the new Tacomas are like 650 stock. Again, AutoZone are typically for passenger cars that have shorter springs and a lower spring rate. Not heavy duty long springs..

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[SAC-CA-Runner]

Well the shocks went to Icon since one had decided to leak. I sent the springs down with them so they will be installing them. Shipping was cheaper than me paying someone to put them in here so it all works out. And...chances are I'll be upgrading the fronts to remote CVCV reservoirs as well while they are down there. So all worked out except my truck being down a week, but it allows me to work on other things as well.