swapping in new struts

[Wayne Barbaza]

hi all,

I wanna try saving a couple bills by DIY'ing this so I have a couple questions.  Right now I got ST springs on stock struts.  I've read (in my manual) and seen (at l&r) that the springs have to be compressed when doing the swap...but I've also read in vfaq http://www.vfaq.com/mods/GCkit-2G.html that you don't really need to use a compressor tool because the spring pressure "isn't that much".  Can anyone share their experiences?

in any case, i'm sure i'll have to compress the springs to some extent, or at least keep them in the same compressed state that they're in now, while I swap in the new strut.  Can I get away with using heavy duty clamps or something?  I'm thinking that I can avoid actually having to release and then re-compress the springs by just clamping them "still" while I unscrew the top bolt, swap struts, and secure it again.

thx for any advice
-w

[John Hartman]

Wayne, there is enough pressure in those preloaded springs to take your head off.  Please do not try to rig anything up.

Canandian tire will lend you (free of charge) thier spring compressor.  Just phone ahead of time.  Its kinda hokey, but its safe and works.

[Jeff Chau]

as John stated. these springs hold the weight of your car, it can hurt you really bad if the strut bolt hits you in the face. I bought my spring compressor "clamps" for like $40 or so a long time ago. Well worth the piece of mind.

[Wayne Barbaza]

thx John, I didnt know about CT lending spring compressors out.  I was gonna rent one otherwise.  

Yeah I was surprised when I read in the vfaq that one could remove the spring without using compressors.

[Leon Hui]

thx John, I didnt know about CT lending spring compressors out.  I was gonna rent one otherwise.  

Yeah I was surprised when I read in the vfaq that one could remove the spring without using compressors.

It'll fly..and pop a hole in the garage..

Anyways, if you were swapping in new coilovers that included that top strut mount, you don't need a compressor...

[Paul Chernoff]

If the springs had more of a drop u might be ok, but i just installed my ST springs and needed to compress them, ive installed other lowering springs before that didnt need any compressing. If u need to borrow spring compressors, i have a set.

[John Hartman]

yea just remembering my spring install (also ST) the rear ones were actually loose in thier perches, so they would be ok to do without a compressor.  The stock ones were  under pressure tho.

[Aaron Moore]

Frank took a set of eibachs off with no compressors, but again, those were lowering springs.

[Wayne Barbaza]

thanks for all the replies guys.  I'm gonna take advantage of the CT free loaner program and try this out