Advice on Using a Spring Compression Tool

[roberth]

I"m mulling over getting a lift kit for my 3rd gen 4Runner. I know I can do the work myself and save a few hundred in labor. I would have to compress the springs for the front struts and the rear springs.

I've done quite a bit of reading and watching videos on compressing these springs but I'm still hesitant to do the work myself.

[Irving]

One the rear, can you not just lower the axle on each side enough to fit the springs? Once you disconnect the sway bars and the struts, there shouldn't be anything preventing you from dropping the axle, one side at a time, low enough to remove and replace the spring without compression. Unless of course some component hits the gas tank or something.

No advice on the front, since my vehicle doesn't have front coil springs.

[Fentonite]

I did it on my Tacoma, and helped a buddy with his Ford. I think I still have a couple spring compressors if you want to use them. (Like Irving said, I only had to compress the front coils). Lots of horror stories about injuries to DIYers, but it didn’t seem sketchy to me, just go slow and careful. But I just might be too dumb to know when to be scared.

[BushMasterBoy]

I have only done two wheel drive chevy trucks. Like others have mentioned, go slow and be real careful. Pic below specifies what tool to use. Having the correct tool is critical.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...4runner-2.html

[SouthPaw]

I've used them in the past doing a lift kit on my TJ Wrangler. I was 16 at the time and didn't think too much of it other than treating it like a loaded gun. Don't drop it, handle with care and don't look directly on top of it. Go very slow and make sure both sides are even when compressing.

[Irving]

But I just might be too dumb to know when to be scared.

Story of my life.

I caught my Amigo on fire when I did the suspension. If you can avoid that, you'll be doing alright.

[Fentonite]

I have only done two wheel drive chevy trucks. Like others have mentioned, go slow and be real careful. Pic below specifies what tool to use. Having the correct tool is critical.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...4runner-2.html

That tool is much nicer and certainly safer than my rinky dink compressors.

[hurley842002]

Every vehicle will be different as far as what other components will allow you to do it with or without extra tools. I've used both the compression tool, and by way of vehicle weight and slow/easy with a jack, if you can get away with using vehicle weight I recommend that method, as you are not handling a compressed spring outside the confines of the mounting location. That being said, I never had any issues with the spring compressors.

[Fentonite]

...I caught my Amigo on fire when I did the suspension...

I gotta know how.

[BushMasterBoy]

That looks much easier than a Chevy Truck. The Chevy you have to do it with the coil installed on the truck.Then remove the lower control arm. Reassembled, the coil only fits one way. Effing nerve wracking to do as the compressors have to go on the coil in exactly the right places.Make sure the coils are clean and grease free, so they can't slip. The trick is to turn one turn on the compressor, then do the other side one turn.Symmetrical compression. If the coils don't compress easily, something is wrong. The threads on the compressors have to be damage free. You can rent the tool for free from Autozone, just make sure it is serviceable. If it is abused, go find one from another store. Hope this helps.