How to compress Icon 700lb coils?

[PrinceValorum]

I'm hoping there's an easy way to do this that I'm missing.

I'm at a loss on how to compress the 700lb coil springs for the front coilovers. I unfortunately didn't know I'd need them at the time, and just ordered with the standard springs.

There's so little clearance between the coils and shock body that regular spring compressors don't fit (can only fit one side, not one on each side to balance it), and the difference in OAL is +1" for the heavier springs, which doesn't let you just pop them in with the collar all the way loose.

What's the trick here?

 

[BrianSD_42]

I'm kind of surprised you didn't just mail it in and have Icon swap them out. Aren't there changes on the shock that need to be made as well? Pardon my ignorance.

 

[PrinceValorum]

I'm kind of surprised you didn't just mail it in and have Icon swap them out. Aren't there changes on the shock that need to be made as well? Pardon my ignorance.

Hmm, if there are changes needed to be made to the shock that would be unfortunate. They did not mention that on the phone when I talked to them...

I was trying to install them today and apparently made an incorrect assumption that they would swap out without complication. Mailing in 50lbs of coilovers to changes coils out seems a bit cumbersome.

Has anyone swapped their own coils?

 

[PrinceValorum]

Ah, I found what I couldn't earlier on my phone... Apparently a large and expensive wall mounted spring compressor is the way to go, for anyone else who runs into this.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/249089-swapping-springs-icon-coilovers.html#post2879209

 

[CaboRunner]

Hmm, if there are changes needed to be made to the shock that would be unfortunate. They did not mention that on the phone when I talked to them...

I was trying to install them today and apparently made an incorrect assumption that they would swap out without complication. Mailing in 50lbs of coilovers to changes coils out seems a bit cumbersome.

Has anyone swapped their own coils?

Yes, I’ve done a few. The way I’ve done it is with a press. The type of compressor you’re using is scary. With a press I have the collar/spring seat portion at the bottom just below the hole in the steel plates below the press, then I have 2 thin steel bars slid into the coil. As I press the shock down the spring is being compressed and I can then unscrew or remove the collar or spring seat. It’s probably really hard to visualize but it’s easy. It shouldn’t cost much to get it done somewhere.

 

[PCRIDE4RUNNERORG]

There is a coil compressor on sears.com for $99. I almost bought it but didn’t end up needing it.

https://www.sears.com/goplus-2200-lbs-1-ton-auto-strut-coil/p-A013175318