I was wondering if I need a spring compressor tool to install my front springs. I was thinking I might be able to do the install just using a floor jack under the A-arm. This will be using Hotchkis 1" lowering springs and UMI A-arms.

 

A floor jack is all I have ever used, never a spring compressor.

 

They help alot though.

 

I'll prob just rent the spring compressor tool if it makes the install easier

 

For me the spring compressor was there for a sense of safety. To get the springs out I dropped the arm as low as I could then wedged a pipe behind the spring and popped it out.

 

I always have used a floor jack under the arms to get the spring out. What I do just to be safe is get a chain, loop it through the spring and the arms with a tad bit of slack and then connect the chain with say a pad lock or coupling. This way if you let the arm down to fast or the jack would slip the sping cannot go flying at you. Coil springs under load can do alot of damage when they go flying.

 

I took the springs out with just the floor jack. I'll be getting a spring compresior to reinstall if my UMI a-arms ever show up.

 

using stock A-arms, I installed mine without compressors. i couldn't get them 100% straight. quite possible that tubular a-arms have more clearance and the install would be easier... and compressors are a free rental at autozone, so I'd give it a shot if you have the time (looks like you do).

i only didn't use them because the guide i was using said you didn't have to... and by the time I got to that point, it was too late in the day to go to AZ and I couldn't push back the project another day.

 

I've always just used a floor jack and lower it as far as it would go then just pryed out the spring with a bar as well. I can change all four springs in under an hour lol.

 

I just installed new Eibach springs on the front and back last week and didn't use a spring compressor. I did use a chain when doing the fronts for safety (for when I popped them out of the A-arm). On the back, the chain isn't needed.

 

yeah, my spring have been out for weeks. I'm just waiting for UMI to ship my A-arms out. I didnt use a compressor to remove them but will get a spring comressor from Auto Zone for the install...Can't go wrong, its a free loaner tool.