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?



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

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2007 KJ Limited 4x4

29G, Tow pkg, full skids, bun warmers, moon roof
Amsoil Air Filter, CB, custom cargo box
OME / Rancho Lift / Rockcrusher rear Diff Cover / Super Skink Sliders (not installed yet)
245/75R16 GY MT/R's with Crager 16 x 8 x 5" BS wheels
L.O.S.T. # 005465

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. "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

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Ron
03 Red Libberty Sport
3.7 V6 Auto 4x4
Lifted
Cooper Discover ATRs 265/75/16
American Racing 16x8 Polished Baja Wheels
Moog Lower Ball Joints
Member#051397 L.O.S.T. Midwest

I think this is what you are looking for! Its $109.00CA. NAPA i believe has them even cheaper!

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**REMEMBER YOU CAN ALWAYS GET A HUMMER IN A JEEP.... YOU CAN'T GET A JEEP IN A HUMMER**
2003 Jeep Liberty(KJ) Renegade,235/75/16 Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors 245/75/16 MTR's,Factory Skids, Selec-Trac,trac lock,Husky Floor Liners,OME Lift,948 rear/926 front,Rusty's strut plate,clevis 2.5 "s, Al's UCA's Gen 4.5.

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.

Ron

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Ron
03 Red Libberty Sport
3.7 V6 Auto 4x4
Lifted
Cooper Discover ATRs 265/75/16
American Racing 16x8 Polished Baja Wheels
Moog Lower Ball Joints
Member#051397 L.O.S.T. Midwest

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.

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LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

What are you going to do about the Left coil if you only buy the Right tool?

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Feb/2006 Silver Sport 4x4 CRD

Thanks for the morning chuckle.

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.

_________________
2007 KJ Limited 4x4

29G, Tow pkg, full skids, bun warmers, moon roof
Amsoil Air Filter, CB, custom cargo box
OME / Rancho Lift / Rockcrusher rear Diff Cover / Super Skink Sliders (not installed yet)
245/75R16 GY MT/R's with Crager 16 x 8 x 5" BS wheels
L.O.S.T. # 005465

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.

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2005 CRD
stuff
Skeptic quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur

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...

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

Stephen

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04 5sp. with mods

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/798121