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Spring Compressor - Need Recommendation

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by BobbyB, Jun 22, 2021.

  1. Jun 22, 2021 at 1:12 PM
    #1
    BobbyB

    BobbyB [OP] Where the road ends, Fun begins!

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    I am planning on changing the OEM shocks on my 2021 OR to Bilstein 5100's in the next few days - have the 5100's in my garage. I don't have a set of spring compressors for the job and have never used them before but am not afraid of taking on the task.. I would like some recommendations for a good brand to either purchase or rent for the job hoping to avoid a cheap set that might be more dangerous to use.

    Can anyone recommend a good set to use?

    Thanks - Bob
     
  2. Jun 22, 2021 at 1:19 PM
    #2
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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  3. Jun 22, 2021 at 1:21 PM
    #3
    6uam671_T4R

    6uam671_T4R New Member

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    Tuco S. likes this.
  4. Jun 22, 2021 at 2:07 PM
    #4
    BobbyB

    BobbyB [OP] Where the road ends, Fun begins!

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    Thanks for the recommendations.

    the Specialty Products unit looks really easy and safe to use. Like that it compresses easily with hand tools. I ordered one from CarID a few minutes ago…

    -Bob
     
  5. Jun 22, 2021 at 2:24 PM
    #5
    6uam671_T4R

    6uam671_T4R New Member

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    No worries! it’s way better than the Autozone rentals. You’ll love it.
     
  6. Jun 22, 2021 at 2:42 PM
    #6
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    I would never trust any auto store spring compressor - look into the method above. Super easy and much safer in my opinion. Or maybe bring them to a shop and have them do it for you.
     
  7. Jun 22, 2021 at 3:41 PM
    #7
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    I had absolutely no problem with th McPherson spring tool from auto zone...and it was free. Both times I used it the one I got was brand new
     
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  8. Jun 22, 2021 at 4:06 PM
    #8
    Daytonaviolet

    Daytonaviolet TRD Bro

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    you can rent a tool or just buy one for ~ $50. I got this from Amazon. I got it because it clears 2.5” body shocks with threads. I used it to compress and remove the springs in my Kings Coilovers.

    Shankly Spring Compressor Tool (2 Pieces) - Heavy Duty Build, Ultra Rugged Coil Spring Compressor, Strong and Durable Spring Compressor with Safety Guard and Carrying Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DQJG24/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6EH8MC3FF4QN7EYXG8PF?_encoding=UTF8
     
  9. Jun 22, 2021 at 4:18 PM
    #9
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

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    Don't need them and can be done safer without.
     
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  10. Jun 22, 2021 at 5:01 PM
    #10
    21TOR

    21TOR New Member

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    Some
    After a few people have posted videos like the one above, I will never use a spring compressor again.
     
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  11. Jun 22, 2021 at 6:00 PM
    #11
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    How many of you that would never use a spring compressor and the McGyver method are actual mechanics by trade? Not arguing, just curious
     
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  12. Jun 22, 2021 at 6:21 PM
    #12
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

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    What's "MacGyver" about it? It's faster and safer.
     
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  13. Jun 22, 2021 at 6:27 PM
    #13
    Tuco S.

    Tuco S. New Member

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  14. Jun 22, 2021 at 6:38 PM
    #14
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    It's not any faster or safer, if anything extending the spring with the shock makes the assembly longer and you have to jack with it to remove it out, where the compressed assembly drops right out. There's a saying use the right tool for the job and that's exactly what a spring compressor is, not some make shift MacGyvering you would do on the trail or if you couldn't afford a free tool
     
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  15. Jun 22, 2021 at 8:03 PM
    #15
    Daytonaviolet

    Daytonaviolet TRD Bro

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    the no compressor works well on standard struts. I’ve used this option on many cars.

    But will not work with kings, icons or any 2.5” strut body as there is no removable top hat.
     
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  16. Jun 23, 2021 at 11:37 AM
    #16
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

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    Oh, you convinced me. I will go back to placing the springs under tension to remove them.
     
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  17. Jun 23, 2021 at 11:55 AM
    #17
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    You mean springs that are captured under tension? Or what about the heavy duty springs that are 3 inches longer than the stock ones? Again, there's a proper tool for the job, it's generally free and not some Micky mouse MacGyver trailside hack but WTF do I know having worked on cars and airplanes for the better part of 33 years
     
  18. Jun 23, 2021 at 12:16 PM
    #18
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    I'll answer your question as I've used both. What is safer: using the weight of the vehicle and a hydraulic jack to relieve tension? Or using a chincy spring compressor that is one broken hook or one stripped thread away from launching the spring with all that stored energy right at your head?

    Let's say your hydraulic jack fails and the jack arm goes down - what happens to the spring? It goes straight down and is still captured by the strut upper/lower mounting points. It isn't flying at your head. I don't think you've thought this through or don't understand the method in the video.

    Have you ever actually removed a strut/spring using this method? Or are you just arguing because you really, really like the Mickey Mouse MacGyver spring compressors from Auto Zone?
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2021
  19. Jun 23, 2021 at 6:49 PM
    #19
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    Great job, Mods. Make sure you remove any discussion addressing the safety of the two spring swap methods. No wonder this site is suffering a rapid death...
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2021
  20. Jun 23, 2021 at 7:33 PM
    #20
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    Probably because as stated in the video, the Mickey Mouse MacGyver method is for entertainment purposes only in the event you're stranded and SOL without access to the proper tool to do the job
     
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  21. Jun 24, 2021 at 5:09 PM
    #21
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    You still have no idea how this works, do you? LMAO.
     
  22. Jun 24, 2021 at 5:58 PM
    #22
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    You still have no idea what a clueless fucking moron you are so LMAO
     
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  23. Jun 24, 2021 at 6:09 PM
    #23
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    Get back on the lithium?
     
  24. Jun 24, 2021 at 6:17 PM
    #24
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    See how fucking dumb you are snowball?
     
  25. Jun 24, 2021 at 6:20 PM
    #25
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    Prozac? Take it.
     
  26. Jun 24, 2021 at 6:24 PM
    #26
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    You seem to know enough about all the crazy meds. Maybe your doc should increase the dose
     
  27. Jun 24, 2021 at 6:25 PM
    #27
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    Dude, the psycho threatening PM's are over the top. You're ignored.
     
  28. Jun 24, 2021 at 6:26 PM
    #28
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    They're not threats, it's like I said I was letting you know what a fucking imbecile you are. Never once did I threaten you but nice try.
     
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  29. Jun 24, 2021 at 6:42 PM
    #29
    Tuco S.

    Tuco S. New Member

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    Group hug?
     
  30. Jun 25, 2021 at 6:49 AM
    #30
    T4R13

    T4R13 New Member

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    No compressor needed for front. Set frame on jack stands take wheels off. Floor jack under ball joint on lca. Pump up and remove strut top nut. Watch nut as u start to back it off to make sure ur floor jack is pumped up enough. Then slowly release floor jack and it will all come apart easily. And I used a ratchet strap on the back coils. Once you have don’t it a few times it’s the quickest easiest way. Just be careful
     

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