Best spring coil compressor?

tophat36 · Jun 17, 2023

Going to replace both front lower and upper control arms. Want to use a coil spring compressor for spring removal and reinstall. Anyone familiar with the best option? I know you can borrow one from the auto store but I’d like to have one that works really well and is super safe. Also, I’m having trouble finding any good videos of removing and installing control arms that include springs. Anyone have a good resource for this? Will be replacing control arms, pitman, idler, and tie rods for front. Truck is 1980 gmc c2500/c20 3/4 ton long bed. Everything is original/stock.

MarineOne · Jun 17, 2023

The kit you rent from auto store is as good as they get. Just go and ask to buy one and don't let them BS you into saying they don't sell them or only sell the used kits. Also for safety after shock is pulled drop a prybar down from top through spring. Even if it let's go it will atleast be trapped in there

SquareRoot · Jun 18, 2023

Life insurance up to date? Lol

tophat36 · Jun 18, 2023

SquareRoot said:
Life insurance up to date? Lol

Very much so up to date lol! Really trying to find an internal compressor style but can’t find any in stock…this one in the video seems really safe to me. Well as safe as you could hope for.

3-Piece Internal Coil Spring Compressor Kit

Compress a Wider Variety of Coil Springs The ARES 3-Piece Internal Coil Spring Compressor Kit covers a wide range of applications across a wide variety of vehicles. With a convenient universal design, the two included discs cover coil springs measuring above 2.95 inches in diameter internally...

www.arestool.com

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mtnmankev · Jun 18, 2023

And make sure you lubricate the threads on the puller real good.
With truck on jackstands, I always put floor jack under the lower control arm to add extra safety and control.

Bloodhound1981 · Jun 19, 2023

i used this, same idea as what you posted. Worked great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GTJ5I8/

tophat36 · Jul 12, 2023

Bloodhound1981 said:
i used this, same idea as what you posted. Worked great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GTJ5I8/

That’s the exact one I ended up getting! Worked well for me too. Was about $280 but gave me some peace of mind. Was still holding my breath the entire time. Hardest part was getting the top of spring to fit into the top cup on upper control arm. Got it eventually. Was able to get one side done, but swapped all the tie rods, pitman, idler, and sway bar bushings. Will do the other side soon. If it’s helpful for anyone else, I measured the spring diameter. This is for a 1980 C20 3/4 ton 5.7L 350 w/ HD chassis. Diameter was 0.80 in (20mm).

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Logbed · Dec 9, 2024

I used this. The bolt was too long, so I made a sleeve (the rusty part). Worked all right.

TX87R10 · Dec 15, 2024

Spring compressor seemed more dangerous to me so I ended up using a ratchet strap to pull the control arms together instead for $free.99

Post in thread 'New coil springs too strong? Can't connect upper ball joint' https://www.gmsquarebody.com/thread...nt-connect-upper-ball-joint.42836/post-907387

Best spring coil compressor?

tophat36

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MarineOne

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SquareRoot

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tophat36

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3-Piece Internal Coil Spring Compressor Kit

mtnmankev

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Bloodhound1981

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tophat36

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Logbed

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