Coil Spacer Installation Adventure

**MWright936** · 02-25-2009, 06:25 AM

Well, I had planned on taking pictures as I installed my coil spring spacers then making a good "how to" write-up. It turned out that it was way more difficult than I anticipated! I figured I could do it myself, but had to call up one of my co-workers that has some mechanic experience to help me.

First, the coil spring compressor that I rented from AutoZone was very poorly designed and down right dangerous. It slipped off on me once (luckily the spring was still being held by the control arms), and it came off again when we were taking one of the springs out (luckily we got our hands out of the way!!). It could have been a bad situation. The spring came loose with such power that it gouged a little part out of my steel lower control arm! Scary stuff. We finally started using a pair of vice grips and some zip ties to keep it from slipping.

Aside from that danger, I couldn't figure out how to get the dang ball joint and tie rod to release. The other guy got that done with some hammer work and a forked pry bar. It messed up one of the rubber boots on the tie rod, so I'll get the alignment shop to tend to that today.

If I had to do it again, I think I could do it myself. I would definitely get a different style compressor (one with hooks on both sides instead of hooks on one side and a plate thing on the other). Having an extra pair of hands definitely helps!

From what I could tell in the dark last night, it looks great! I'll take some 'after' pictures this afternoon and post some pics.

*Edit*
Here is a link to the thread with the before and after pics: Leveling Kit Before and After

**adampaul1964** · 02-25-2009, 07:24 AM

Glad you guys didn't hurt yourselves! It always seems that what always appears to be fairly simple can be more difficult if not downright dangerous!! looking forward to the pics!

**95CTburb19** · 02-25-2009, 09:01 PM

Yeah those spring compressors can be dangerous! Luckily when I did the lift on my cherokee I was able to drop the axle down far enough where I could get the spring in without too much trouble. Can't wait to see the finished product!

**retired2001** · 02-25-2009, 09:20 PM

I've never seen a spring compressor I liked!

**ct9a** · 02-25-2009, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by retired2001

I've never seen a spring compressor I liked!

+1 to that!

Where's the pics?!? J/k.

**04sierracrewcab** · 02-25-2009, 09:35 PM

the one i used had 2 hooks that went over the coil on both ends.. very easy to use

**MWright936** · 02-25-2009, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by 04sierracrewcab

the one i used had 2 hooks that went over the coil on both ends.. very easy to use

Yeah, if I ever have to mess with the springs again, that is the kind I'm going to get. The kind I used had very little contact on the bottom and slipped easily. We ended up using vice grips and zip ties to keep it from slipping. Ghetto?...yes...but it worked!

**TRPLXL2** · 02-25-2009, 10:11 PM

When my dad was in his teens he tried to take the coil springs out of his 57' chevy, he had no fancy tools or anything and he ended up shattering his right hand trying to take them out. A few years ago he started working on cars again, and we came upon another 57' that needed new coil springs. I looked around for the longest time for something to make him feel a little bit safer, and I found this hydraulic strut/spring compressor for $124.95 at Summit Racing. Unfortunately they don't carry them any more, but I saw that Harbor Freight has them now for around $200. The problem in our garage is we get so many of these "one time use" tools, that it really isn't worth it but in this case I think it was worth it to see his face when it closed those springs effortlessly without incident. Just felt like sharing...........AMY
http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/att...1&d=1235617828

It is operated with a foot pedal, and there is a simple valve release similar to a rolling jack.

**fx2offroad** · 02-25-2009, 11:40 PM

I installed my front lift today too. I didn't have any problem with the coil spring compressor other than i had to step on my 1/2 drive socket wrench a hundred times to get it to compress enough. I wasn't strong enough to do it by hand

. I got the 2.5 in. superlift replacements struts. Going to post the pictures tomorrow. Glad to hear that you're all alright!

**Pete95Sierra** · 02-26-2009, 12:29 AM

gotta be careful with those coil compressors, they can be very painful. or when your brother almost drops a whole jeep on you when changing coil springs. I have never moved faster in my whole life