spring compressor recomendations?

[Acadia]

getting ready to put the OME lift (been sitting in the garage the last 3 months) on the 4runner in the next few weeks and I am looking for recommendations on a good spring compressor (so the install will hopefully go smooth)

[Texx]

I rented one from Autozone. No charge if returned intact.

[FlatlandTRD]

X2, only I borrowed two sets so I could get 3 spring compressors on them. Those really bend with just two, enough to make me a little nervous. Peter's got a nice little write up for adding a spacer, should be similar enough for what you're doing.

All-Pro 1 inch Tacoma Spacer Lift

BTW, trailer project looks great, when are we going wheeling so we can meet?

[Acadia]

Originally Posted by FlatlandTRD

X2, only I borrowed two sets so I could get 3 spring compressors on them. Those really bend with just two, enough to make me a little nervous. Peter's got a nice little write up for adding a spacer, should be similar enough for what you're doing.

All-Pro 1 inch Tacoma Spacer Lift

BTW, trailer project looks great, when are we going wheeling so we can meet?

FlatlandTRD - The picture of the spring compressors bending in the write up was a little scary looking I guess that is part of the reason why I have put this off for about 3 months. That and the fact the trailer build has been taking up the garage and my time

we will have to figure something out so we can meet up and hit the dirt

[FlatlandTRD]

Originally Posted by Acadia

FlatlandTRD - The picture of the spring compressors bending in the write up was a little scary looking

Yeah, that's why I used 3, but mine didn't bend quite that bad. And with the shock in a vise pointed in a safe direction, it really isn't that bad. If you do it, just a little at a time. I've compressed way more than my share, and so far, no problems.

we will have to figure something out so we can meet up and hit the dirt

Sounds good. I need to do my gears now, so hopefully I can get it together and ready for some trips.

[bkg]

DO NOT use a spring compressor. Too much work, and in my opinion, too dangerous.

Do this instead: 4x4Wire Project Blackbean- Old Man Emu Suspension

About 1/2 way down, you'll see the easy way.

[Acadia]

swung into the local toyota shop today to inquire about picking up a pair of new top plates to help speed up the install, BUT the $144 price tag sent me out the door empty handed:(

[Acadia]

went by the local O'Reily's today and picked up one of their strut/spring compressors that they rent/let you borrow.

I have to say it was a pretty decent compressor. I used it to compress the old spring so I could get the top plate off, no issues.

Then I actually ended up using it to compress the new OME springs, again no issues. It didn't bend or flex like any of the ones I saw pictures of.

The total project took me about 8 hours. only used hand tools and took my time

the only thing that really gave me a problem were the rear shocks the top nut is a real pain in the you know what to get to!!! then the rubber bushings on the bottom were rusted to the studs. it took a little persausion from the BFH to get them off

but its done and I like the way it turned out

[FlatlandTRD]

Originally Posted by Acadia

went by the local O'Reily's today and picked up one of their strut/spring compressors that they rent/let you borrow.

I have to say it was a pretty decent compressor. I used it to compress the old spring so I could get the top plate off, no issues.

Then I actually ended up using it to compress the new OME springs, again no issues. It didn't bend or flex like any of the ones I saw pictures of.

I had to chuckle. So you want us to believe that you saved money by doing it yourself, no one died, and the compressors didn't break shooting the spring through your garage wall as well as five of your neighbors? I think we need some pictures... of the 4rnr of course. Was this for ~2" of lift?

[Acadia]

Originally Posted by FlatlandTRD

I had to chuckle. So you want us to believe that you saved money by doing it yourself, no one died, and the compressors didn't break shooting the spring through your garage wall as well as five of your neighbors? I think we need some pictures... of the 4rnr of course. Was this for ~2" of lift?

well yes

I did get about 2" of lift maybe a little more in the back

contrary to popular belief no children or small animals were harmed from me using the strut spring compressor

and here are a cople photos

[KLF]

You wasted a bunch of time with that spring compressor. I've done that spring swap several times, and I never used one. A set of ramps, a floor jack, and a few wrenches to disconnect the shocks and swaybar links is all you need. I think the last time i did it I had it all done in about 2 hours.

[photogod]

I need you guys at my house. I fiddle fucked around for way to long and ended up taking it to a shop to do the job. I actually gave up on the thing. That doesn't happen to often.