I've also used a jack only because I rented (3) different spring compressors from AZ, Advanced Auto, etc. and none of them would work. I would do it again if needed but it is still a PITA. The strap on tool sounds like the way to go to me.
The strap on tool sounds like the way to go to me.
We use a Snap-On spring compressor but most of the time we jack the car up as high as it will go on jack stands then just disconnect the spindle by having a hydraulic jack under the lower A-arm and once the spindle is removed we lower the a-arm with the jack as low as it will go and then stand to the side and use a long crow bar and pop it out. We usually install the springs back this way too as it's easier to to with the 2" drop springs we use...
Spring compressors can be Very dangerous if they come loose! The way we do it seems to take a lot of the danger out of it because the spring isn't compressed much after lowering it as far as it will go before popping it out the rest of the way.
Will this work for stock length springs too? I know it works getting them out, but how do you get the bottom of the spring to seat in the LCA so that you can compress it with the jack? I'm only asking because I have to do this next week.Leave the lower ball joint fastened, and unfasten the sway bar and shock, and support the lower A-arm with a floor jack and remove the two lower A-arm frame bolts. Lower the jack, making sure not to catch the shock, and the spring will fall out. Reverse the procedure to re-install the spring. No spring compressor needed.
Back in the day GM actually had an attachment for jacks that cupped the lower arm bushings and you lowered the arm from the middle rather than the ball joint side.Will this work for stock length springs too? I know it works getting them out, but how do you get the bottom of the spring to seat in the LCA so that you can compress it with the jack? I'm only asking because I have to do this next week.
Back in the day GM actually had an attachment for jacks that cupped the lower arm bushings and you lowered the arm from the middle rather than the ball joint side.
Will this work for stock length springs too? I know it works getting them out, but how do you get the bottom of the spring to seat in the LCA so that you can compress it with the jack? I'm only asking because I have to do this next week.
I haven't seen one in 20 years myself but you might be able to find one.Is this tool still available???
The problem comes in lining the bolt holes back up to insert the frame/A-arm bolts because the bushed ends of the control arm tends to go where it wants, most likely too far into the frame. I've always done it this way by myself, but with a helper to guide the control arms to the right position with a pry bar while the other operates the jack would make it a snap.
I'm gonna rent one from Advance. They said their 'loaner' tools are pretty heavy duty in comparison with what they have on the shelf. I hope they're right, because the $34 internal spring compressor they had on the shelf did NOT inspire a lot of confidence.If you can find a quality spring compressor, it probably is costly. The danger is in using any spring compressor but I don't see any danger in doing it this way. As I said, with a helper this job can be done in minutes. By yourself, it's a bit more challenging, but not dangerous.
I'm gonna rent one from Advance. They said their 'loaner' tools are pretty heavy duty in comparison with what they have on the shelf. I hope they're right, because the $34 internal spring compressor they had on the shelf did NOT inspire a lot of confidence.