Quick question for those that installed their Bilsteins themselves.

[Matts175]

I currently have this type of spring compressor:

https://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-63262.html

Would this one work better/safer/easier?

https://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html

What kind did you use?

 

[rexdog]

I used the first one. I was a bit nervous about using it but it went fine. It seems like the safety clips wouldn't fit but it didn't end up being a big deal. Just go slow and alternate from side to side often.

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[AFMoulton]

I rented one from autozone, free as long as you return it. Makes you nervous as **** to compress it and take it off.

I recommend a 1/2” drive impact to compress them. As we ruined a smaller one doing it.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 5W-30
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[Moparfanatic21]

I use these two compressors called my arms although most people call them .50s I don't have the ones with the safety pin I just go slow and if I hear anything I don't like I run like hell and throw the girlfriend on the springs...

 

[quietpeen]

I used the first ones also. If they are on the spring properly and you don’t tighten or loosen one side too much there is no worry

 

[mike19950]

I used the first ones too. I used hand tools only and kept oil on the threads so they wouldn't gall.

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[ram1500rsm]

This seems to be similar to the 2nd one, it seems safer than the 1st one, fast forward to min 2:58

 

[JB1]

^^thats a nice tool, wonder what brand that is.

 

[Moparfanatic21]

^^thats a nice tool, wonder what brand that is.

I believe that to be harbor Frieght

 

[FlaSeadude]

I used the first one. I was a bit nervous about using it but it went fine. It seems like the safety clips wouldn't fit but it didn't end up being a big deal. Just go slow and alternate from side to side often.

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I bought the same ones. I had previously swapped out springs on my Mustang Cobra with no issues. But the RAM springs are a lot beefier and I was concerned that the compressors might not be up to the task...

 

[5isalive]

I tried to use the second type from hf but it didn't go well. I ended up going with two of the first types and put all four on each spring to make it even safer.

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[ram1500rsm]

I tried to use the second type from hf but it didn't go well. I ended up going with two of the first types and put all four on each spring to make it even safer.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

What was the problem was it too big ? or not enough clamping power to compress the spring?

 

[5isalive]

Those bars are supposed to be straight. They were bending and twisting that almost caused the spring to slip out. I couldn't get it to compress enough to install the new shocks at the highest setting.

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[Danny Smith]

first one

 

[Bassin12]

Just had dealership reinstall my Bilstiens 5100 because they put washer in wrong place, managed to figure out what size top lock nut is it’s a M12x1.5 , used zinc grade 8.8, think this nut grade is suitable