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Old 01-17-2022, 10:37 AM   #1
Shanaru242
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Member#: 344828
Join Date: Jan 2013
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: OR
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2014 WRX hatch
WRB

Question Coil spring compressor recommendation?

I apologize if this has been asked and answered. The threads that I found were older, and a lot of people recommended the Harbor Freight tool, but I'm looking for something better.

I have a budget of around $150 to get a decent MacPhereson strut coil spring compressor.

The springs I want to install are King 1" lift springs, so they are stiffer and taller than most coil springs.

I have a low-cost spring compressor tool from Harbor Freight, and it has worked for me in the past, but it scratches the springs, and it doesn't compress the front King springs quite enough.

I know I'll assemble struts again in the future, so I'm willing to spend some dough on a sturdy, safe, reliable tool.


This one looks great, but it's currently sold out everywhere.

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-ma...ompressor.html


This type of compressor (on a stand) looks good in theory, but ones like this (in my price range) have mixed reviews. And good sturdy ones are much more expensive, putting them well out of my price range.

https://tinyurl.com/y9v6ay9x


Here's another tool I'm considering. I'm welcome to thoughts and opinions on it.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...sor/555557_0_0


Thanks for reading!
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Old 01-22-2022, 02:32 PM   #2
Shanaru242
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Member#: 344828
Join Date: Jan 2013
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: OR
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2014 WRX hatch
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OP here with an update.

I swung into an Autozone and got the OEMTOOLS compressor set (the 3rd item I linked to). I got it to work, but it was a bitt of a hassle. The main reason is because the King springs are taller. Standard height or lowering springs would be a piece of cake, I imagine.

The rear King springs weren't too bad. It was the front ones that were difficult. Not as many coils to work with, so you can only compress the spring so much. It helps if you can get ahold of the spindle/shaft and pull it out so it is fully extended. That makes it easier to get the nut started on the top.

Anyway, all four struts are assembled. Just gonna work out how I'm going to do the front lower control arm bushings (putting in Whiteline ones) and ball joints while I'm in there.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. ;-)
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Old 01-24-2022, 02:19 PM   #3
car_freak85
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We have a cheap pair of spring compressors (Harbor Freight, I think...). They work well on most Subaru springs, but aren't perfect. When doing struts on our Tundra, I just take them to a shop. Bent our last set of compressors on those beefy front springs.

If/once the current set of compressors fail, I'll likely look for a bench-mounted setup vs. the two-piece all-thread junk from HF.
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Old 01-28-2022, 11:35 AM   #4
das280zx
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I've have this one and have used it on a Honda CRV and my Datsun. It works well, can bind a bit though. Use electrical tape on the springs to prevent scratching. Don't cheap out on this tool. Compressing springs is extremely dangerous and should not be taken lightly.

Lisle Strut Compressor
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Old 01-31-2022, 10:03 AM   #5
Shanaru242
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Quote:
Originally Posted by das280zx View Post
I've have this one and have used it on a Honda CRV and my Datsun. It works well, can bind a bit though. Use electrical tape on the springs to prevent scratching. Don't cheap out on this tool. Compressing springs is extremely dangerous and should not be taken lightly.

Lisle Strut Compressor
That looks like a good safe one. I'm going to bookmark it. Thanks!
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