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I like tools - How much for right coil install tool?
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=23827		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  sandracer [ Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:51 pm ]
Post subject:  I like tools - How much for right coil install tool?
I tried a search, unsuccessfully, so here goes.

Now that I'm starting to recover from my ordeal with the "big C", I'm considering installing my OME coils myself rather than paying the $250 I was quoted for the job. I've read all the posts about folks getting the coils put on the struts for about $40 but I can't help wondering; just how much is the proper tool to do the job?

I have been thinking about adding a hydraulic floor press to my shop for some time. I have a good Mig welder so fabbing up accessories for the job is not a problem. Would a 12 ton press be sufficient or do I need to look at a more specialized tool?

Image

I figure that I might be doing this job more than once, as my spring rate needs change so, I don't mind investing in the proper tool, within reason.

Are any of these adquate?

http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?Page ... rodID=2347

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/atd-7563.html

http://www.baumtools.com/pdf/Spring_Compressors.pdf

Any ideas and thoughts are welcome.

Thanks
Author:  LiLredLibby [ Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hey sandracer,the press would be a neat tool for pressing things up to 6" or so,but not really practical for changing out strut springs.Here is a pic of a wall mounted strut compresser that would be idea for your needs.The one I use where I work is made by Mac Tools,but this is the type you need.Image "The Tool Warehouse . com has them for about 400.00. would'nt take long to pay for it'self.
I think ours was about 6 to 800.00 dollars,so probably even cheaper then buying a press.These are by far the safest way to compress struts.Shop around for "Wall Mounted Strut Compresser Tool",and you might even find a better price or a good used one.

Ron
Author:  renegadekj [ Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think this is what you are looking for! Its $109.00CA. NAPA i believe has them even cheaper!
Image
Author:  LiLredLibby [ Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
renegadekj wrote:
I think this is what you are looking for! Its $109.00CA. NAPA i believe has them even cheaper!
Image


Thats a pretty nice portable compresser,but you really have to watch for the fingers being to large to fit between the coils.
If you look at the fingers in the tool of my pic,you'll see that they are alot smaller and will fit between just about every spring made.Just a thought,cause I've heard of alot of people renting one and not being able to get it between the coils. :wink:

Ron
Author:  Jeepjeepster [ Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Idk how you would use that compressor above. It looks like it goes inside of the coils. Ive never figured out how a compressor that goes inside the coil could be good for anything.
Author:  TDI4BY [ Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:45 am ]
Post subject: 
What are you going to do about the Left coil if you only buy the Right tool? :-)r
Author:  sandracer [ Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:43 am ]
Post subject: 
TDI4BY wrote:
What are you going to do about the Left coil if you only buy the Right tool? :-)r


Thanks for the morning chuckle. :D

I located a used wall mount device on Craigs list but it's over in Tucson. I'll keep looking around and see what I can come up with.

Thanks for y'all's input.
Author:  ATXKJ [ Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
If you're going into the spring changing business - then a specific spring compressor is good - but for a home shop I'd vote for the hydraulic press - you only have to compress the spring 1-2 inches to tighten/loosed the holddown nut, so a 6 inch stroke isn't a limitation as long as you have a mount that can hold the strut and allow full force on the spring.
The press allows you to do other things working with bearings, pressed in bolts ect.
so for a home shop the hydraulic press has a lot more flexibility, but it requires more setup to compress the spring than a tool specifically designed for compressing springs.
Author:  swyszomirski [ Tue Aug 28, 2007 5:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
I changed my front coils with two 6' bar clamps, a vice, vice grips, uh.... two friends, .... O, ya, and the fear of God in us all. :)
It worked, but had the spring shot off, it would have gone through someone/thing... :shock:

The hydro-press is a great tool, many uses for a home shop.

Stephen
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