Coil Spring Compressor

[bheston]

I'm replacing the old stock coil springs with a fresh set (standard ride height).  I bought a coil spring compressor from Summit.  Seems good.  I was able to get the coil spring compressed and removed.  However, the compressor does not fit through the shock opening in the A-arm.  I had to fully disassemble the compressor, stuff it in the opening and re-assemble while it was inside the spring.  That seems wrong.

Here is the one I bought:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w89311/overview/

I might try this one:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clp-csc/overview/

I replaced the coils on an El Camino years ago but I don't ever remembering the need to dismantle the compressor to get it to fit through the shock hole.

[Sauron327]

I have this one and it's worth every penny: https://www.amazon.com/OTC-7045B-Front-Spring-Compressor/dp/B000GTJ5I8

[x66 714]

I don't use the floating piece. I take it apart, drop the threaded piece down the upper shock hole. Put the threaded jaw end through the lower shock hole & assemble. Thread it up about an inch or better. That way you can loosen the compressor to get the spring out of the pocket....Joe

[Stingr69]

I have one similar to that.  I just put one of the jaws pieces up inside the lower A-frame, thread that into the ready rod and use a stack of greased washers at the top shock mount hole (where the nut is attached to the rod). 

Always chain the spring to the frame for safety. 

[Mike S]

 The OTC 7045B is the safest way to go.


Mike

[x77-69z28]

The OTC 7045B is the safest way to go.


Mike

That is the only one I would ever use!

[x66 714]

The OTC 7045B is the safest way to go.


Mike

That is the only one I would ever use!

That's a pretty good looking tool. I probably would use that one myself...Joe

[crossboss]

My worthless two cents…
Most coil spring compressors are sold for 'universal' use aka that work on different makes and models. I have found the one that works best on a GM won't work on a Ford, and vice versa. Purchase the one that will work best for your application and as mentioned make sure you always follow safety precautions.

[Maxsg1973]

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-27035-Coil-Spring-Compressor/dp/B003A18KCQ/
This one works great. It will even work on a 65 nova as well. Watch the video it should give you an idea of how it will work for your application.
Oreilly and Autozone rent them if you don't want to buy it. Good luck.

[Mike S]

That is the exact tool that I used on my big block springs. Twice in the same day it violently and suddenly uncompressed when the fork like flat piece began to rotate on its own when the spring was compressed enough to remove. I bought the OTC compressor after that.

[firstgenaddict]

I rented a new one from Oreillys and just kept it. Run the rod down through the shock mount hole in the frame and pull the A arm and spring into position.
I have done them up side down and right side up...
Easiest way (probably not the safest) I have done them was to put the spring and A arm together and compress then safety with a chain and drop into position.
2nd easiest (probably much safer) was to drop the compressor through the shock mount hole and pull the spring and A-arm into position.