Spring Compressors?
 

What is the best style of spring compressor? has anyone used the nylon strap kind? What are your recommendations? Best place to buy them?

thanks
Matt

Nylon strap style? Never heard of them. But the hook-and-screw type I have (that will be here this week btw) were cheap and work fine.

I've changed out my springs twice now, and I didn't need a spring compressor either time. The WRX springs are under almost no pre-load with the top hats bolted on. Maybe the STi springs are different though. The easiest kind to use is the scissor type, but they are usually fairly expensive. The hook type is also easy to use, just more time consuming since you have to tighten both sides on each spring. We rent that one at NAPA for no charge if you don't want to buy one. You just leave a refundable deposit.

I loan one from Pepboy Free (with return deposit).

We have done the same to do Ben's springs. I am pretty sure Britten and Tyson just rented one also.

I think Kragen loans them as well... For as little compression as I think you need, I bet the 2" Nylon ratcheted tie downs I have would work as well.

Man, the club should have just purchased a set way back when the 1st of you guys did springs... then we'd have a nice set ready to go for all you guys.

I wonder if it would still be beneficial to get a set. Aren't they like $50 or so? Is anyone interested in donating a set to the club? We'll hook you up with a free sweater and stickers when we do a new run this fall! :D

www.kragen.com

Powerbuilt Tools 648627

Strut Spring Compressor Kit: #1

http://www.partsamerica.com/product_...PBI/648627.jpg

Our Price: $52.99

I'll chip in.

Not sure how much we really need them. For as little tension as there are on most Subaru Springs, I think nylon ratchets are all you need, and people are welcome to borrow mine. And for as much as we use them, how about $11 instead of $50+ if you want the screw drive ones and don't want to borrow them from Kragen... http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3980
My dad has a set of these, but they are in Gardnerville.

There is a harbor frieght in Reno. It's where K-Mart used to be.

I think I'll take Khail up on the NAPA offer, Probably next weekend.

thanks
Matt

I purchased a set from Harbor Freight for $8.00 on sale. Works fine. I did need them for installing springs and I shot a nut about 50 ft removing the top without compressing first. Watch your nuts if you don't compress.

Theo

It's always a good idea to watch your nuts, especially when compressing them.

I concure, spring compressors are not neccessary. Especially if you have air tools.

I'll donate mine to the cause. I have the exact set Art posted up, only without the case. Matt, don't go buying any just yet.

Ok :idea:

I would encourage everyone to use a spring compressor and wear eye protection for this job. Flying nuts are dangerous!

Maybe the wagons have more spring pre-load than the sedan?

Theo

Yeah, the last thing you want is nut in your eye.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Well every spring swap ive seen, the stock spring decompresses like maybe 1/2 an inch, MAYBE a whole inch... So if someone just holds it down a little, it wont go flying :p

Yep, that's how mine were, I just pushed down while I was taking off the top nut. No problem.

:lol: :lol: or get someone to watch them for you?

Preferably a female someone. :wink: