Spring compressor?

[JonF]

I'd like to do the Bilstein 5100 level on my 2013 Ram 1500. I don't have access to a spring compressor any more since I've changed jobs. I've worked with or worked behind too many half assed mechanics to trust anyone to work on my truck, plus I cant see paying someone to do what I can do myself.

For those of you who have done this yourself what kind of spring compressor did you use and where did you get it.

Of course then I'll *have* to take it somewhere and have it aligned. Cringe!

 

[mattman_13]

I got one off amazon for 40.00 bucks. Has little links to keep the pins in place as well. Anyone with bilsteins needs something like this and needs to learn to do it themselves so they can change settings without going to a shop every time! Here is the one I got. Works well.

OEM 25550 Strut Spring Compressor - Amazon.com

 

[tkyle486]

Thanks for the link matt, I may need that in a month or so!

 

[Cruizer]

Think I'll add this to my purchase list rather than just trying to rent one. $40 is not a bad price for something I can see using in the future as well.

 

[mattman_13]

Yea. When I have went to rent them I could only find the actual spring compressors that go in the center of spring instead of on the sides like we need for strut. Putting on a few lifts I have used quite a few unsafe methods for compressing springs lol decided finally to be safe.

 

[Cruizer]

Yea. When I have went to rent them I could only find the actual spring compressors that go in the center of spring instead of on the sides like we need for strut. Putting on a few lifts I have used quite a few unsafe methods for compressing springs lol decided finally to be safe.

You gotta do what you gotta do when you're missing the tool you need, right? lol

 

[JonF]

Awesome. Thanks for the link.

My truck has right under 2 1/2" of rake. I'll probably go with about 1 1/2" of lift just to get the front up a little, but I like a little rake. Then I'll add some of the airbags to the rear springs for when I haul more than just a couple hundred pounds. My 4 wheeler weighs 600 pounds and the rear squats 3" when I put it in there.

 

[COPPERHED DAVE]

You can get one for under $12 on ebay.Harbor freight also has them cheap.I just don't know how well they work.I have the ebay one coming and will find out soon.10" Coil Spring Shock Compressor Auto Strut Suspension Remover Installer Removal | eBay

 

[Cruizer]

You can get one for under $12 on ebay.Harbor freight also has them cheap.I just don't know how well they work.I have the ebay one coming and will find out soon.10" Coil Spring Shock Compressor Auto Strut Suspension Remover Installer Removal | eBay

Let me know how well they work and if they seem like they'll last. I plan on keeping them around so I want to buy good ones.

 

[14hemiexpress]

My local Oreillys rents strut coil spring compressors for free $50 deposit you get back when you return it. Can't beat free

 

[Sharp Charge]

I went to Autozone and rented theirs. Free upon return.