Author Topic: Coil Spring Compressor  (Read 4263 times)

bheston

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Coil Spring Compressor
« on: December 30, 2019, 02:29:31 PM »
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

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2019, 02:50:00 PM »
« Last Edit: December 31, 2019, 05:47:52 AM by KurtS »

x66 714

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2019, 02:51:59 PM »
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
See America's First, Chevrolet

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Stingr69

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2019, 07:02:24 PM »
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

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2019, 07:04:59 PM »
 The OTC 7045B is the safest way to go.


Mike
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x77-69z28

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2019, 08:10:46 PM »
The OTC 7045B is the safest way to go.


Mike
That is the only one I would ever use!
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x66 714

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #6 on: December 30, 2019, 09:48:33 PM »
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
See America's First, Chevrolet

1968 Z/28 Corvette Bronze. Black Hounds Tooth. 02E Los Angeles born 3/13/1968 pnt OO. Purchased March 1976
1969 SS396 Yellow/Yellow 08E Norwood born 8/28/1969 pnt 76E. Purchased April 1981

crossboss

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #7 on: January 01, 2020, 03:34:04 PM »
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.
Just another T/A fanatic. Current lifelong projects:
1968 Olds 442 W-30
1969 Mustang Fastback w a Can-Am 494 (Boss 429)

Maxsg1973

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #8 on: January 07, 2020, 03:13:32 AM »
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

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #9 on: January 07, 2020, 03:31:16 AM »
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.
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firstgenaddict

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Re: Coil Spring Compressor
« Reply #10 on: February 17, 2020, 02:11:19 PM »
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. 
James
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