CAUTION

The coil spring compression tools most commonly advertised are DANGEROUS. I recently purchased on of these from NPD and almost broke my hand. They have a tendency to 'spring loose', and if your hand is close by (as mine was) it can really HURT you.
Years ago, I had used a coil spring tool from my dad's garage made by MOOG that worked great (and safely). This week I was fortunate to find the same tool on E-bay, which I bid on & bought tonite.
If you are ever in a position that requires the removal/installation of the front coil springs - be very careful. I'd be glad to loan this tool to anyone in need of it.

Neil

I found this out, too. Fortunately I didn't hurt myself. I fought that stupid thing for a couple of hours and gave up. The next day I borrowed a much better tool from someone I know and had those springs out in less than 1/2 hour. The right tool makes all the difference in the world.

Same for me. The two types I've used are the external type with "claws" and the other is an internal type with "wings" that grasp the coil from the top and bottom and compress with a large screw. The later type worked better for me but both are prone to lose grip and snap the spring open suddenly. I compressed one of mine to the point that it fell out of the car and it "exploded" on the garage floor. WOW, what a quick burst of compressed energy!! No lost fingers, but ya'll are right, very dangerous. Not one of my favorite projects for sure.

Do you have a picture of the "safe" type? I'd be interested in getting something different if I have to do that job again.

Here's a pic of one that is very similar to the one I used.

That's very much like the MOOG that I used in the past & am in the process of acquiring. It's sooo much better than the current market cheapos. Since I'm rebuilding the suspension on the '68 convert I bought, it's an absolute necessity.
I'm too much of a computer novice to know how to post the E-bay ad to show the photos.:embarass:

Neil (Knuckles) Hoppe

So where do I find a good one? Are there any new ones that are any good? I was going to buy a remover tomorrow online so this couldn't have come out at a better time.

So where do I find a good one? Are there any new ones that are any good? I was going to buy a remover tomorrow online so this couldn't have come out at a better time.
Try this: http://www.toolsource.com/front-coil-spring-compressor-d78p5310a-p-61837.html?sourceid=nextag

Joe/Christian;
That's the correct style of spring compressor. Price is kinda $tiff though. The MOOG set I got on E-bay cost me $41, but I remember them being expensive in the past.
Christian- if you would like to borrow it, I can UPS it to you after this week.

Neil

FYI, I believe the type that grasp the spring on the outside are meant to be used with newer cars, struts, etc. I bought a set and the first time I used it, it let loose, pinching my hand and twisting at an angle so I couldn't get my air ratchet back on. I had to walk across the shop, dripping blood, in pain, to get a wrench to loosen it enough to get the spring and compressors off my hand. I'll stick with the internal rod type from now on.

Steve

I might just need to borrow it from you Neil. Let me know when you're done please.

I have a well worn internal screw type with the 2 each different length flatbar "claws" that grab the spring on the top and on the bottom. Never have had a problem with it. Works great with an air impact gun rather than the slow ratchet method.

But it seems best as a two man job. I am the one with my hands on the coil spring while someone else tightens it down. My biggest problem is on the way back in with the spring, determining the proper amount of spring to grab. To little and you can't get it in, and if to much it gets pinned in the bottom on the spring perch.... Gots ta be just right......

Rob

The internal claw type is what nearly broke my hand when it popped loose. I'll never use it again. Now I've got the MOOG tool that is perfecto. I work on my cars solomente', so I need to be able to do the various jobs in that manner. (Would you believe someone once called me a hardheaded German?):wink:
Christian - PM me with your address if you wish to borrow the spring compressor.

Neil

Today I re-installed the right coil spring, and removed the left one. Piece Of Cake:grin:. I'll re-install it next week, with the new upper & lower control arms. (Peggy & I are taking a few days off and going to Cincinnati for the weekend)
Talk to you all next week.

Neil