spring compressor front struts

[dinos4x4]

I have a leaking front shock I need to change out , anyone had any luck with a spring compressor on these struts

[ag9111]

Yes but hard work.
make sure you get a heavy duty set. Not a set for passenger vehicles.
I ended up using 4off HD units per strut and I still bent 1

[ultimate]

In my opinion, you're better off taking the struts to local mechanic who has a branick or hydraulic coil spring compressor. Triton coils are generally 750-900lb/inch. Most coil spring compressors are designed for passenger vehicle coils which are around 180-300lb/inch.

[dinos4x4]

Thanks for the advise

[snakesoup]

I've done mine with normal Spring compressors and haven't had a drama, in saying that there's a hell lot of pressure there

[BillMcQuade]

6 years ago, I "degloved" half of one of my fingers due to a failed spring compressor, and required emergency microsurgery. I was using very heavy duty compressors, but one of them let go anyway. Don't underestimate the stored energy in a compressed 4WD spring. I have changed springs many times, but now I get the struts done by someone with the correct equipment.

PS; full credit to the Sydney Hospital Hand Unit. They work wonders. I have almost full feeling in the finger, and the scar is so small that you can't even tell it was injured.

[NowForThe5th]

Doing it with normal coil compressors is just too dangerous.

I did this once and got away with it. Never again.

[s13tsilvia]

i got these http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Produc ... 4/SPO84287 and used them to change my springs, a lot of pressure stored in them for sure, just make sure even pressure on both sides. I or 2 turns and then change sides etc.

[ag9111]

Wow Chris. Talk about a death wish.
I would have been to scared to stop long enough to take a photo

That is why I used 4 units

[RHKTriton]

After a discussion with a guy at a 4x4 workshop re suspension, I decided long ago that the strict assemblies aren't a home project.

They had a proper strict compressing rig an it basically exploded on one occasion. They ended up getting a much higher spec machine.

For the much wisdom that comes from the 5th, that occasion must have been one where it was on leave at the time!

A thrill seeker could probably rig up something with a log splitter.

[salt36]

I use a 12 Tonne shop press and secure both ends of the strut.
I am very nervous and careful when compressing these springs.

A log splitter would work but imagine the carnage if it let go

[coughy]

lol not for the faint hearted
as chris did i did ONCE and never again with 4 clamps and i was still more nervous than a boy on a nudist beach

even using the 100tonne press at work with all guards in place i still S**T every time it gos crack
the peolpe that used a press will know the crack im talking about when the guage goes up and u think yep here it is and it goes past it and u go oh no a stuck one and then it cracks
man it is so loud and scares the undies of you

[red dragin]

I used to keep my distance when the old boy did Camry sized springs with two clamps that are much better quality than the SuperThief/Ripco ones. Even he kept it aimed away!

Fook being in the same shed as a 4wd spring, even with four clamps!

[dinos4x4]

I will pay a shop to swap my springs out of my struts that photo is like bomb about to go off