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What spring compressor works for the CRD
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12233		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  TDI4BY [ Sat Sep 09, 2006 12:41 am ]
Post subject:  What spring compressor works for the CRD
I am installing my lift in the morning, where should I go to find a spring compressor that works for the CRD? Heather mentioned that I could buy one at Sears that would work, any rental tools that work?
Author:  spoonplugger1 [ Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:10 am ]
Post subject: 
As far as I can see an automotive spring compressor is just that, nothing fancy. Lots of auto parts stores also have them, I got mine on a free loan when I bought my lower MOOG ball joints from my local store. Just couldn't keep it any longer than I needed it for the job.
Author:  Ugg [ Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What spring compressor works for the CRD
TDI4BY wrote:
I am installing my lift in the morning, where should I go to find a spring compressor that works for the CRD? Heather mentioned that I could buy one at Sears that would work, any rental tools that work?


The springs on a CRD are thicker than a standard spring. With that said a normal spring compresser won't work. The best thing to do is take the spring/stut assembly off and go to an automotive parts store. Most of these places have spring compressers that you can borrow. By having the spring with you will be able to find a spring compressor that works. However, you may end up having to purchase the compressor for about $35.00.
Author:  Ranger1 [ Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
I ordered a spring compressor that depicted clamps small enough to fit on the heavy springs on my 02 Liberty. When it arrived, it came with the heavy block type clamps that were very difficult to get on to the coils. I did get them on, so you can use a $45 dollar type if you're want to, but its a pain. I was putting Rancho RSX's on my 02 - it took about 15 minutes a side to remove the struts, and nearly an hour each to get the spring compressor work done for each side because of the heay block type clamp spring compressor. Be sure to mark the spring and cushions before you take the strut apart - it makes reassembly very easy and puts the spring and rubber cushion exactly back as it came from the factory. It also makes the lower clevis fit on the lower part of the shock correctly - there are some alignment sleeves on some struts that need to fit correctly on the clevis to strut area.

Overall, it might be easier to pull the struts, mark them, take them and your new shocks to a shop, have them compress the springs, install the new shocks, then torque them correctly. Would save at a least 2 hours of work. The rears shocks are a 15 minute job for both sides.
Author:  spoonplugger1 [ Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
The Proto spring compressor they handed me at the local NAPA store worked just fine on my 2005 CRD. They may have better than average tools there as they also have a machine shop in the back.
Author:  RFCRD [ Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ranger1 wrote:
Overall, it might be easier to pull the struts, mark them, take them and your new shocks to a shop, have them compress the springs, install the new shocks, then torque them correctly. Would save at a least 2 hours of work. The rears shocks are a 15 minute job for both sides.

I have an older jaw style compressor that works well on cars with softer springs but I wouldn't trust it on a KJ. The last time I did a strut job I used a wall mounted spring compressor at the auto parts store. The owner of the parts store also drove the EMS squad for the vol. fire dept. He insistant I use his compressor as he didn't want to pick me up in pieces. :shock:
Author:  ATXKJ [ Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
I tried 2 different types, a PEP boys u bolt type and an Auto Zone rental - problems with both, ended up taking the springs to a tire shop that had a wall mounted unit.
Author:  TDI4BY [ Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
ATXKJ wrote:
I tried 2 different types, a PEP boys u bolt type and an Auto Zone rental - problems with both, ended up taking the springs to a tire shop that had a wall mounted unit.

I just ended up going to Les Schwab tires, it was 45 bucks but they pressed the studs into the upper plates too. I was happy. Results on my Pictures post
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=120044#120044
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