Spring compressor?

[NebraskaSpider]

I need to know what type of spring compressor to use and where to get it. I am trying to rebuild my front end and its proving to be more difficult that I hoped.
I borrowed one from a buddy that went on the outside of the spring and that didn't work. I rented one from a local auto parts store that went on the inside of the spring and the rod that you screwed it together with hit the top of the shock tower before compressing.
Am I missing something or is there a specific type of spring compression device for these fiats.

[TulsaSpider]

The kind that goes in the spring worked for me. The last couple of times I didn't bother with one. You don't really need one if you use a floor jack and carefully lower it slowly and the car is high enough.

[NebraskaSpider]

Well I might try using a floor jack because I've got a headache using these dang compressors. How would I go about doing this? Put the jack under the lower control arm then disconnect it and slowly lower the jack until I can remove the spring?
I just fear its going to go flying off, most likely into my eye or something. I have bad luck when it comes to things like this.

[ITA124]

Refer to post

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... a&start=15

If you are planning to remove/install the springs a few times over its life, you could make one of these. They are very easy and very effective. I wouldn't cut corners on spring removal/installation. There is much potential energy stored in them and when they go BANG! you won't know 'till its too late.

I now run slightly stiffer springs and a little lower. So I can get the springs in and out with no compressor. A great relief. Not one of my favourite jobs.

[NebraskaSpider]

That compressor looks nice and easy to use, but most of all SAFE. I will have to consider making something like this as doing it any other way scares me. Like I said, when it come to me and things that could go wrong, they always do.

[htchevyii]

I have both internal and external spring compressors and neither worked well on the Spider, I ended up supporting the crossmember with jackstands and using a floor jack under the LCA. With it all the way down, I just pulled the spring out.

[Foster48x]

Get (or rent from Autozone) a set like this. I have a pair and they work like a charm.

OEM #27035
http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp ... odID=11885

Rick

[NebraskaSpider]

Compressing both sides of the spring at once, like with that one and the homemade one seems to be the way to go. I will check at autozone to see if I can pick one of these up. I got one spring out yesterday with a combination of a jack and the external spring compressors and I was holding my breath the whole time. I still have both eyes and all my fingers but will be picking one of these up to get those things back in. Thanks for the help all.

[2ndwind]

I used an internal compressor. Cut the long bolts off a bit so they wouldn't bottom out on the shock tower housing.

[azygoustoyou]

I used the one from Autozone too and didn't have any issues. It was great to take it back and get my money back too.

[NebraskaSpider]

I used the one from Autozone too and didn't have any issues. It was great to take it back and get my money back too.

Smart move!

[gmichaud]

Here is what I used. With a small modification...shortened the bolt so that it would not hit the shock tower. (I would strongly recommend using spring compressor.)

[gmichaud]

OOOPS. THis time with link to compressor: http://www.princessauto.com/tools/auto- ... compressor