Best spring coil compressor?

[tophat36]

Going to replace both front lower and upper control arms. Want to use a coil spring compressor for spring removal and reinstall. Anyone familiar with the best option? I know you can borrow one from the auto store but I’d like to have one that works really well and is super safe. Also, I’m having trouble finding any good videos of removing and installing control arms that include springs. Anyone have a good resource for this? Will be replacing control arms, pitman, idler, and tie rods for front. Truck is 1980 gmc c2500/c20 3/4 ton long bed. Everything is original/stock.

 

[MarineOne]

The kit you rent from auto store is as good as they get. Just go and ask to buy one and don't let them BS you into saying they don't sell them or only sell the used kits. Also for safety after shock is pulled drop a prybar down from top through spring. Even if it let's go it will atleast be trapped in there

 

[SquareRoot]

Life insurance up to date? Lol

 

[tophat36]

Life insurance up to date? Lol

Very much so up to date lol! Really trying to find an internal compressor style but can’t find any in stock…this one in the video seems really safe to me. Well as safe as you could hope for.

3-Piece Internal Coil Spring Compressor Kit

Compress a Wider Variety of Coil Springs The ARES 3-Piece Internal Coil Spring Compressor Kit covers a wide range of applications across a wide variety of vehicles. With a convenient universal design, the two included discs cover coil springs measuring above 2.95 inches in diameter internally...

www.arestool.com

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[mtnmankev]

And make sure you lubricate the threads on the puller real good.
With truck on jackstands, I always put floor jack under the lower control arm to add extra safety and control.

 

[Bloodhound1981]

i used this, same idea as what you posted. Worked great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GTJ5I8/

 

[tophat36]

i used this, same idea as what you posted. Worked great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GTJ5I8/

That’s the exact one I ended up getting! Worked well for me too. Was about $280 but gave me some peace of mind. Was still holding my breath the entire time. Hardest part was getting the top of spring to fit into the top cup on upper control arm. Got it eventually. Was able to get one side done, but swapped all the tie rods, pitman, idler, and sway bar bushings. Will do the other side soon. If it’s helpful for anyone else, I measured the spring diameter. This is for a 1980 C20 3/4 ton 5.7L 350 w/ HD chassis. Diameter was 0.80 in (20mm).

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[Logbed]

I used this. The bolt was too long, so I made a sleeve (the rusty part). Worked all right.

 

[TX87R10]

Spring compressor seemed more dangerous to me so I ended up using a ratchet strap to pull the control arms together instead for $free.99

Post in thread 'New coil springs too strong? Can't connect upper ball joint' https://www.gmsquarebody.com/thread...nt-connect-upper-ball-joint.42836/post-907387

 

[Ricko1966]

Late to the party,but thought of this little trick today for situations like this. So writing it down for someone that might read it in the future. Loop some short lengths of chain through the spring and bolt the ends of the chain together,to hold the spring compressed at ride height. Then when you lower the control arm. No springs trying to jump out,no more fighting them back in.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Y'all use spring compressors? lol

 

[Ricko1966]

Y'all use spring compressors? lol

Sometimes on some cars,you have to. Usually upper and lower A arm gm stuff I just throw a chain on the floor set my jack on the chain,chain the car down and use my floor jack to raise and lower the A arm. It was yesterday I figured out if you capture the spring with chains at its installed height it's easier,especially on long soft springs.

 

[DoubleDingo]

I've only used spring compressors to replace struts, and used three at 120 degrees from each other for an even compression. Any Chevy suspension, no spring compressor, just a lot of safety in mind so the lower control arm doesn't blow down. Once the lower ball joint has popped, and the jack under the lower control arm with 1/4 to 1/8 inch spacing catches it, slowly lower the jack and the spring is easily grabbed with your free hand, or you can let it drop on the ground. I prefer grabbing it before it falls out.

 

[Ricko1966]

These were morosso trick springs in a 66 Chevelle longer softer than factory for better weight transfer. Too long to slip in and out easily. So I figured bind the spring at installed height and it would come out easier. Thought someone else might benefit,not everybody,but somebody. I thought it was a great trick.

 

[DoubleDingo]

These were morosso trick springs in a 66 Chevelle longer softer than factory for better weight transfer. Too long to slip in and out easily. So I figured bind the spring at installed height and it would come out easier. Thought someone else might benefit,not everybody,but somebody. I thought it was a great trick.

You are full of great tricks and advice, for a stalker...