Advice on Using a Spring Compression Tool

[Irving]

I gotta know how.

We were heating a shock tower bolt that had probably never been turned since it first left the factory and caught the rubber bushings on fire. Probably not a big deal in retrospect, but when it's something you don't do everyday, and don't expect it felt like a big deal at the time. No one should use a torch and not expect a fire though.

[BPTactical]

Have your husband do it.....

[ray1970]

Large springs freak me out and I'll monkey with just about anything.

I was using an OTC strut spring compressor once (a bench mounted tool which basically contains and compresses the spring with the strut assembly out of the vehicle) and had the tool fly apart while I was compressing the spring. Fortunately I was unharmed but it did take a large half inch ratchet and rip it out of my hand and send it flying to the roof of the shop.

Guess my only advice is take it slow and be really careful. Definitely stay out of the line of fire.

[Fentonite]

..No one should use a torch and not expect a fire though.

Quoted for truth.

[ray1970]

No one should use a torch and not expect a fire though.

I'm usually more surprised if a torch doesn't make a fire.

[roberth]

Have your husband do it.....

[roberth]

Yes I could just disco all those parts and move the axle enough to get the old springs out and new springs in.

Thank you for the responses, now I just have to figure out the suspension to use.

I could get Icon or Fox or OME is inexpensive in comparison.

[Duman]

Sometimes you can purchase new shock/strut assemblies complete with springs (not knowing how the Toyota is configured).

I've done spring compression/installation on several vehicles over the years. Have owned, used, tossed a few different devices. It's not too difficult, just realize you have a lot of stored energy and need to treat it like a gun (mentioned above). When compressing the spring for install, I always placed it on a bench (horizontally) either end pointing in a safe direction (typically towards the neighbor's barking dog).

During the install, getting the spring lined up correctly with the existing rubber/plastic mounting parts is important prior to releasing spring tension. Slow and steady. The compression tools (discussed above) will do the trick. I use an air wrench to speed up the compression, but you need to watch out for the compressors 'walking' along the coil. They need to be kept 180-degrees opposite of each other.

Probably budget an afternoon, and make sure you share any stories with us (starting fires, yelping dogs, etc..)

[ray1970]

Sometimes you can purchase new shock/strut assemblies complete with springs

Thanks. I didn't realize that. I was putting off replacing the front struts on my truck because I didn't feel like swapping the springs over. Just looked and it appears I have quite a few options for "drop in" units complete with springs, upper mount, etc. I can even get replacement units that will pick the front end of my truck 2" to level it out. Looks like I'll be upgrading my shocks and struts sooner than later.

[Irving]

Yes I could just disco all those parts and move the axle enough to get the old springs out and new springs in.

Thank you for the responses, now I just have to figure out the suspension to use.

I could get Icon or Fox or OME is inexpensive in comparison.

OME seems to be a pretty popular staple in the off-road (but on trail) community, especially with imports.

Searching on an off-road forum (I assume you already are) or even a Toyota board will be useful for reviews and making sure you're paying $3,000 for only $500 worth in components.