I have found some good write ups on how to replace the front struts.... my question is this.... do I really need the machine wall mounted spring compressor or can you do the job with the cheap small spring compressors that you turn by hand?
Not sure on the size difference - i rented the spring compressor from AutoZone. You can do it by hand, but I STRONGLY SUGGEST you have an air compressor to help out - STRONGLY SUGGEST. Did I mention STRONGLY SUGGEST? :thumbsup:
When my buddy and I lowered my Jeep back in july i kept asking him about getting a spring compressor. He didn't seem worried, I watched him put his foot on the strut spring on the floor and undo the nut. Now I wouldn't recommend it, but I've seen it done without any clamp/compressing tool at all.
I own a set of spring compressors, and it is not that hard to do by hand, just takes an extra 10 minutes per strut. Doing it without the safety of a compressor, you can lose a limb or a few digits if the spring ejects.
I had to cut the last strut I replaced apart with the torch to retrieve the spring... I had my spring compressors on it relieveing most of the tension but not all. I dont know why my coworkers were hiding behind cars *shrug*
Also consider its going to be pretty difficult to reinstall the factory spring on the strut without a compressor... maybe its not as bad with a lowering spring, but the factory spring must be compressed some to reinstall the top mount.
I used the same set of compressors you can "rent" from Auto Zone. Granted i used an air gun to compress and de-compress the springs (saves alot of hand cranking)
other than that they torked perfectly to install my RC lift.