Coil Spring Compressor The Right One

[@karlx-1]

Top Tip: While the compressed spring is out of the car, wrap it in a heavy quilted moving blanket while working with it. If it "explodes" the energy will be partially absorbed, and contained. Remember, you need to use a HEAVY moving blanket, not the $2.00 rental blanket from U-Haul.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Great tip!

[@farmerjim-fat-man-do]

I have been using the coil spring compressor with the fork on one end like was shown in the video for several years now. The fork goes on top of the shock tower and the other end goes through the spring. Tighten to compress spring and allow control arm to droop out of the way. While holding bottom coil of spring slowly back off the nut until spring is released. Pulled many old Ford springs with this tool and never had a butt puckering experience. I have left the spring compressed with the tool hanging from the shock tower for several days whilst working on suspension. I have video of this on one of my phones...

[@AutoRestoMod]

The ford type shown is one that the fork sits on the bottom of the spring. The type you are using is like one I have here that isn't available anymore.

[@AutoAli]

I personally use the last style and it works great. I still tend to be excessively carful around springs so I’m never trusting no matter how good they are.

[@RealWorldGarage]

This will keep you from getting hurt.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Careful is your watch word.

[@conrak1]

I tto own this style and recommend it.

[@mattcornett7180]

I used an eBay knock off of the one you showed where it basically installs through the coil and bolts in like it’s a shock. It is the safest way that I’ve seen. It was very easy and safe. I would not do it any other way. As someone else noted, I switched to coil overs and it is so much easier to switch them out.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Very cool!

[@marcbondi8462]

I have one of the ford recommended spring compressors and have found that it is the only one to allow me to compress v8 springs enough to remove or install them. Best $30 I ever spent. Just keep the bearings on it greased and it works great.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Would love to find one for $30...

[@CorgiConnect]

I had to use the one that goes down the middle of the spring with the 4 hooks just a couple weeks ago to remove springs from a 1970 mustang. Boy, do I HATE doing that job, feels like I am handling dynamite until i release the springs tension.

[@RealWorldGarage]

That’s exactly how I treat it too. I have run a safety chain through them and had them tied off in a quiet corner of the shop.

[@AutoRestoMod]

We are shooting the front suspension removal from the Ranchero using that one and the spring fell out...UNDER TENSION...I admit to a little pee coming out.

[@tunafish3216]

Be shure to oil the draw bolt it helps a lot. I use a impact on mine when I do the job. I have done quite a few of them. Harbor Freight has them also.

[@tunafish3216]

Harbor Freight has them also that’s the one I use.

[@RealWorldGarage]

@@tunafish3216 I prefer a little EP wheel bearing grease. It’s a little messy, but it seems to hold up better. But if I don’t have anything else any lube is better than none.

[@waynep343]

on fords i use the last one shown.. hooks down thru the spring.. but i usually use the fork across the top of the upper shock opening. i have not had access to a lathe to create a steel or aluminum hockey puck shaped device that can sit down over the 3 or 4 studs on the top of the shock tower to let the bolt go thru.. i have even thought about cutting a slot in the side.. so i can just slip the puller bolt in.. with a depression for the thrust washers to fit in and not slip to the side. there is also a brace device that goes between the frame rail flange and the spring perch undersides that allows you to slip it in.. jack up the car and the weight is carried by the brace.. then you can install the spring compressor you don't like.. and snug it up slightly.. lifting the spring perch off the brace.. now your spring is hanging free.. the spring perch can be easily removed as can the upper control arm with the spring still held up.. you can also just remove the spring perch with the spring compressed and unwind the compressor to release the spring. please use moly grapite wheel bearing grease or moly graphite assembly lube on the compressor screw threads. you have staylube in a squeeze tube for assembly lube.. or a little left over ARP bolt lube. Do not use aluminum spark plug anti seize. the amount tension on the puller screw threads can cause it to melt under pressure and seize the threads. you can also use motor oil.. rear end lube. but those get kinda drippy.. i will try to assemble some picture files and send them to your fred.. hint.. steel fab shops can take some 1/2" plate and using your upper shock baskets for a drill pattern can come up with something that will work for the top really easily.

[@AutoRestoMod]

I have an old Radico EZ Coil aluminum puck, I just don't use it because they are no longer available. It does work very well, much like the Ford one.

[@oakhurstaxe6392]

I switched to coil over shocks for the SINGLE REASON of not having to do this. The fact it works better is a bonus. I tried for 3 hours to get a spring compressed and put in my 69 mustang and almost killed myself, never again. I have the clamp end style you showed. They got the springs out no issue, but couldn't put them back.

[@AutoRestoMod]

I have done it for so long it is wrote. Next week we are showing how I do the removal.

[@vapeurdepisse]

Many cars have coil and dampers separated

[@blister011]

I lost the tip of my finger with that last tool you showed. A similar tool is made that has a better hook clamp. Found it online while i was recovering from the injury. Its worth the price. 100.00

[@vapeurdepisse]

A link or name would help

[@cactustird]

I have one of the Ford recommended ones for older Ford Products. I bought mine from West Coast Classic Cougar,

[@AutoRestoMod]

I want tone of those and a round Ford headlight adjuster tool. There, I said it.

[@robertolsen4140]

I just did front coil springs on a 69 Firebird. I used the O.M.C 025 77035. That is the one the guy says he doesn't like. It worked perfectly for me. I can't think of one that is safer than that one.

[@richardwilkinson4715]

I use to own a car with the mac pherson struts, I also tried the spring compressor with the screw type on the outside of the spring all they will do is walk down the spring and not compress the spring. I had to buy the clam shell type.

[@stever.7008]

The OTC 7045B Front Coil Spring Compressor is what I use.

[@AutoRestoMod]

I've seen that one but never used it. I try and talk only about things I have used to keep from looking more like an idiot. I'll look into that one it does look pretty cool.

[@m56irsul]

I have used that tool on mulitple occassions and have very good results. It is very safe and highly recommended. I dont like the hooks on each end

[@enegronindc]

To remove a spring with the AutoKrafters type compressor (I have one from another seller), my sense is you have to compress, unbolt the spring perch from the a-arm, remove the upper a arm shock tower bolts,, swing it out, then release the tension on the spring to remove it. Seems a bit dicey, having that compressed spring hanging while you unbolt all that stuff...

[@erikblake3360]

what coil spring compressor to use if you want to replace roller bearing spring pearches on 63 falcon

[@AutoRestoMod]

We cover that in a more recent Manic Mechanic. Auto Krafters carries a good one.

[@zappatx]

What was it from - Open Tracker Racing??

[@AutoRestoMod]

Ehhh Auto Krafters.

[@ksingh8762]

Hey Jeff, when’s the T5 install video coming?

[@JustinPaul1st]

Singh where you from 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@ksingh8762]

@@JustinPaul1st Haha I’m from London! 🇬🇧

[@JustinPaul1st]

@@ksingh8762 Well good on you mate👍👍👍how's lockdown on your end of the world

[@AutoRestoMod]

We are working on it. COVID makes everything 1900s sloooooow.

[@tomcrews4680]

I’m using vice grips and snap ties. Haven’t had any problems yet.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Good for you.

[@narancs5]

What is up with all these through-type spring compressors? I never even knew there was a car on which a tool like this could of any use and yet over half of the video is about these. Which cars have suspensions that allow these tools to be useful?

[@AutoRestoMod]

Ford Falcon Ford Mustang Ford Fairlane Ford Torino Ford Granada Ford Cougar Mercury Comet Mercury Montego as well as early 1962 to 1967 Nova and Chevy 2

[@scottlevy3274]

i'm in the process of putting in new springs in my mustang. i'm torn between using the fork style or double sided hooks. i have the fork one and compressing it half way so far doesnt look that stable. i might spend the extra money to get one of the hook ones.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Really prefer the hooks over here...

[@johnp1966]

i use the OEM branded one you show, works fine on my '66 mustang. i also ALWAYS run a piece of chain through the spring and arm just in case it tries to get away. cheap insurance.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Usually I do too. Though I have left the outer bumpstop in with the same effect.

[@stevenlaubach7222]

Can you please recommend a spring compresser I can buy to do a strut change on my son's 2010 Infinity G37? I was gonna just go to Autozone now you have me a little concerned.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Sorry I have zero experience with those cars.

[@umangu]

Very handy, I’m looking to buy one on eBay or Amazon. I’m in Australia btw and it’s impossible to get anything but a McPherson strut compressor locally.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Well, that sucks...

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I like the Autokrafters Compressor. Used the Clamping type, always found them frustrating to use!! 😠 Sure, they work..... When I worked at a Ford Dealer in the 80's and 90's, the Shop actually had the Ford Compressor! I remember that it WAS nice to use. Wish I had one today. Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks for sharing!

[@elegancehomepainting]

Will the coil tool from AutoKrafts work on a 93 foxbody mustang?

[@AutoRestoMod]

No. That uses a Mcpherson strut.

[@pumpernipple1235]

What kind of coil spring compressor would you recommend for a 90 f150?

[@AutoRestoMod]

Check out our series on our F100. We show how to remove the springs without the need for coil spring compressor.

[@RealWorldGarage]

I have removed the shock, laid a large piece of flat bar with a hole in it across the top, and drop half of the tool down in the spring, and just suck the spring up enough to remove the control arm and lower spring perch. Leaving the spring in the car. Now of course this won’t be of use to you if you are needing to change the spring. But since I was only servicing suspension parts it felt safer to me. I have removed them and taken a chain and carefully ran the chain through them and tied them off in a quiet corner of the shop. Springs can be scary. LOL

[@AutoRestoMod]

I'm going to get one of the Auto Krafters ones and see how I like it. My old trusty is great, but I'd like to show how to with the other style as well.

[@RealWorldGarage]

@@AutoRestoMod NEW TOYS!!! Something about guys, our toys just get more expensive with time.😂✌️

[@jleron22]

I definitely ran into problems trying to put a 3" lift on the front end of my 98 marquis. I just got my compressor today that I ordered from Amazon, which was the 2nd style that you showed, that ford recommends. Will get back at it tomorrow to see how everything goes. Thanks for the info

[@AutoRestoMod]

Hope it works!

[@frederickwoodford3474]

How about a Silverado c2500 94 ?

[@AutoRestoMod]

I'd still use the insert compressor.

[@robviousobviously5757]

I survived the ordeal about 25 years ago on my 67 Fastback... only used the 4 hook compressor for removal... put Eibach springs in and it wasn't necessary...

[@AutoRestoMod]

Sometimes that is the case if you are using drop springs.

[@biglakehotrods381]

Where is your sense of adventure?! A wild spring is just the ticket to get your blood flowing, in more ways than one. I’ve used pry bars and let em fly, to 55 gal drums to undo struts into. No not smart but at the time it got the job done. The one that you mentioned last was the one I used to take my springs off most recently, and it worked just fine. I do prefer the one from auto krafters or open tracker. The way it was designed to come apart is usually the best way.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Agreed. And I don't want that kinda blood flow. My insurance is not that good.

[@gregvanderboom5011]

Thanks for the video. I got the pinch-o-matic 5000 (the style that has the sissor action). I tried to use to replace my Mcpherson struts on my wife's Honda. It was so bad I resorted to the zip tie method. Luckily I lived to talk about it. It takes some intestinal fortitude to cut the zip ties to release the tension. I'm going to get a compressor I can use for the front and rear coil springs on my 72 Ranchero.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Intestinal fortitude...and maybe a diaper.

[@robertwalker9638]

Just copy the one that is shown in the workshop manual. A direct copy of the original Ford tool works very well.

[@thatguyontheright1]

Thank you for posting this. I was going to use Mac compressors on my Eagle's front suspension and alarm bells went off in my head.

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are welcome.

[@mtbjonny9502]

take a look at the original spring compressor for older vehicles at mercedes benz this has two massive plates that are pulled together with the help of a massive thread.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks, will do!

[@amiamso]

Ok, What happened to the Radico Easy Top, I was hoping you were going pull out the Easy Top so I could ask about dimension. I want to build one for myself. I Love the "Wire tie exploding Christmas Ornament" I'm gonna have to get one for my Mother-in-Laws Tree. Great Video Jeff!

[@AutoRestoMod]

I don't bring that one out anymore as the Radico is not available over the counter now. If she's that bad do a nature trip to the Okefenokee swamp...

[@alexmorgan3435]

What price on safety? All these tools in your video look very dangerous. For MacPherson struts get a hydraulic press. They cost more but not really a huge amount of cash. I bought one. For many years I used the threaded death clamps. While I was using them I was always very nervous, treating the spring like an unexploded bomb. I was never comfortable with them. In the end I had x2 pairs using 3 on each spring I compressed. However this time needing to change some front shocks on my car I decided no more risk of serious injury, not worth the risk, so I bought a Sealey RE231 Spring Compressor Station. Expensive in comparison to the death clamps, but I feel A LOT safer and the job takes a fraction of the time fit a new shock. Also the Sealey spring compressor has different sized yokes to accept springs of different diameters and therefore springs of greater loads, safely. It was not an expense I wanted to make, BUT on reflection it is an expense I was prepared to make if it greatly reduced the risk of serious injury if a threaded death clamp let go and a spring pinged out and hit me. You still have to be careful with a hydraulic press as a compressed vehicle spring is potentially an accident waiting to happen, but they are a much safer way to separate coil springs and shocks than the cheap threaded death clamps. Safety specs are NOT going to save you.

[@AutoRestoMod]

The McPherson clamps will not work on a old style coil.

[@canadianmarauder1923]

Good to know. Thanks for the heads up

[@AutoRestoMod]

No problem 👍

[@robkallok77]

Jeff, loved the horror show opening! And great timing again - I need a new spring compressor! Must have leant out my old one and never got it back - will check out the one from AutoKrafters. Thanks!

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are welcome.

[@tombryant1104]

While I can see compressors that hold spring in tower as having their place, I figure it's worth pulling spring to check upper mount pad. If spring perch requires servicing, ones that connect to lower shock mount are useless. If I had a nickel for every spring I have pulled over the years, I might have $1.80. Playing with ride height, I've had front springs out of my '72 Comet & '69 Fairlane four or five times each. Fairlane is currently too low, gotta order springs & try again.

[@AutoRestoMod]

That can be a frustrating thing for sure.

[@classicstangbrn8964]

Hey Jeff ive actually used radiator clamps on fox chassis Mustangs, really scary. The through the spring hook type is the one ive used for the last 45 years, but snap on has a clamshell type that's heavy duty, it's the greatest thing since sliled

[@classicstangbrn8964]

Pushed the wrong button, sorry, lol.

[@AutoRestoMod]

I get it. I've typed many things on my phone only to have to retype them.

[@FairlaneEstate]

I have one of the ford tools . Left a link to a pic of it but keeps getting removed lol

[@AutoRestoMod]

send it here: [e-mail]

[@FairlaneEstate]

Sent

[@DragPakMerc]

Excellent advice. The Auto Krafters style compressor is all I use on Fords with shock-tower suspension. But I was kinda hoping for a mention of the Radico EZTOP. I still have one in my garage. I'm pretty sure I saw one in yours in an earlier episode.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Right on, I don't bring that one out anymore as the Radico is not available over the counter now. I tried to stay with ones that a dude can get just about anywhere.

[@Paulie1232]

Hey jeff, the opening part of the video was funny as shit, loved the wire ties....keep up the good work...

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks Paul! Need a longer and bigger backdrop LOL. Thanks so much for that. Best money I never spent.

[@PrincipalDBA]

I think you have seen it all. At first I thought the zip ties was something out of predator. The straps and the jack, I guess if I was in a pinch which will never happen. Changing the coil springs is not emergency surgery.

[@AutoRestoMod]

LOL

[@markvincent719]

Used the auto parts store loaner compressor. Treated it like a bomb ready to blow if it bumped it. Tool was brand new and garbage. Threads were really high friction and I pretty much so ruined the tool installing two springs. They did give me my deposit back (free loan) and agreed the tool was low quality.

[@RealWorldGarage]

I usually lube the crap out of the tensioning bolt. Some times it helps others not so much, cheap Chinese steel. 🤷‍♂️

[@AutoRestoMod]

Lube makes everything slickereer. If I am not sopping with dirty Super Lube by the time I remove a spring I wonder if I really removed a spring...

[@kboruss000]

Why I like my 1st gen Camaro.......no spring compressor needed and just replaced front suspension. Just jack up car far enough on jack stands, support lower control arm at end with jack, release top spindle nut and upper control arm and slowly release the tension on spring by bringing the jack down slowly. Easy peezy!!!

[@RealWorldGarage]

If the engine is in it. If you’re in the middle of the build you might need a couple of buddies to sit in the engine bay to get it to recompress. LOL

[@AutoRestoMod]

Kevin, I've had both ends of this and without an engine it can get kinda sporty...We'll be doing a suspension on the '70 Camaro soon.

[@kboruss000]

Very true. Need the engine weight with this method. Another reason I chose to get suspension in order first and then drivetrain. Also seemed to fit with your video I watched on order of work which helped.

[@3gcraftsman]

Title of video doesn’t say “Ford spring compressor.” I’m looking for a good spring compressor for a Toyota Camry…

[@asaadluaibi2111]

Great Advice. Thank you.

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are welcome!

[@frankc1430]

If you're replacing the spring and it's has a shock that goes through the center of it, I just cut them with a torch.

[@AutoRestoMod]

I've seen that done too. It can still pop, but it is pretty safe...as unsafe things go. LOL

[@frankc1430]

@@AutoRestoMod I did it for years and never had one issue. Only thing that could possibly happen to you is may get hit with some hots. I'd rather get hit with hot's than a spring! And I never had any issues with that. In my early days of being a mechanic I used to work at a Muffler and Brake Shop. We use the torch for everything. What a wonderful tool.

[@frankc1430]

@@AutoRestoMod actually cutting the springs with a torch is the safest way to do it. Because when you bust the ball joints loose and open it up, all the pressure is gone. So now you're not dealing with a spring under pressure.

[@jsslifelike]

Damnit, Jeff... HOW DID YOU KNOW I JUST GOOGLED THIS YESTERDAY Seriously... My phone has been listening a lot lately, but I didn't realize it was reporting to you!

[@AutoRestoMod]

I bought Google.

[@jsslifelike]

@@AutoRestoMod #DatAutorestomodMoney

[@morganleblanc730]

Jeff, Great advice.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks!

[@phreaktor]

Wear a motorcycle helmet and cut it with a Sawzall lol. Then again I only remove them when I am installing hydraulics so I don't need them again.

[@thegarage5919]

What ever happened to just doing the job right and reading up beforehand. Thanks Jeff.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Some do, some don't...

[@stephenhotzjustdriveit]

Hmm I have a coulpe of those compressors

[@AutoRestoMod]

I think you have a couple of everything Stephen...😆

[@OldeCarrGuy]

I came close to eating a spring once. I literally pee'd!

[@AutoRestoMod]

My experience is far more fecal in nature.

[@paulhealey2984]

Just use whatever works best for you.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Yeah great advice

[@Rendezvous70]

I had a buddy that lost his front teeth from a bad spring compressor, he might have been drunk too

[@AutoRestoMod]

Recently saw a post about a guy shooting himself in the leg the last phrase was "alcohol might have been involved."

[@robertfogarty3253]

Another kind spring break 😭

[@chuckdool]

Too bad u don't show how to use them

[@slickjohnc1]

The zip ties made me laugh

[@AutoRestoMod]

Made me cringe laugh.

[@chrisrye9128]

I have braved this task on one car. Never again. #isurvived 😳🤣

[@AutoRestoMod]

AIN'T SKEERT!

[@georgiojansen7758]

mc fear some

[@AutoRestoMod]

Stea ling that...

[@TheSaxon25]

Wow didn't come to youtube to feel bad about my life choices - looking for an escape DAD!! Who uses ratchet straps to compress the spring anyway?!? We all know you use the ratchet straps to secure the spring to the subframe while you use the jack to lower the a arm and your drunkest friend to remove the spindle nuts. #safetythird 🍻🇺🇸

[@AutoRestoMod]

SON! At long last you have returned to your bosom...wait, that sounds bad.

[@Backstabbio]

I used the last one and wanted to sue.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Sorry.

[@Backstabbio]

@@AutoRestoMod It was a rental model from the local joint, so it had been used quite a bit. It popped out on me a couple of times putting the spring in and scared the hell out of me, but I've still got all my fingers, and the spring finally made it in. Sucked.

[@rudycisneros5944]

This guy is just a lot of talk he never shows how to actually use any of them. If he can't impress with is brilliance he will baffle you with BS

[@CalebPerez-c8r]

Wack

[@AutoRestoMod]

Paddy

[@thegarage5919]

"Falcon Fairlane Comet Cougar Montego Mustang Torino Coil Spring Compressor Tool" pssst and Galaxie hahaha

[@tombryant1104]

Galaxie cannot use a inside spring compressor.

[@thegarage5919]

@@tombryant1104 Wanna bet? Maybe not the exact one you show but it can be done on the 65 up galaxies. I've got two of em and inside compressors are the suggested way in the Ford shop manual which I have as well.

[@tombryant1104]

@@thegarage5919 Ummm, just pulled out the '66 Galaxie shop manual & it doesn't even show using compressor. Once ball joints are broken loose, spring pressure is released by lowering jack that's positioned under lower control arm... Spring falls out...

[@thegarage5919]

@@tombryant1104 Weird, I've seen it done that way but I also saw the spring skitter across the floor when one slipped. Lemme check where I saw it but Im sure it was there, not that it really matters as long as you dont end up with the spring going walkabout its all good.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Unsure on Galaxie.

[@Yhyujss]

You don't even need a spring compressor 😅

[@AutoRestoMod]

Once.

[@brandonomeara5865]

You’re face WOULD be a terrible place for a spring to go 😅

[@junkemails5050]

You really look like trump