Strut Top Hats

Since this thread got revived... for others that get suspension that does not come with top hats, use this method. The stock top hat stays put and it makes decompressing/compressing the spring (while on the truck) super safe. I used this method recently when installing extended springs and it worked like a charm. https://youtu.be/vkVLBOnAifc?si=cZk3hWlpp5-nNepx

 

Man. YouTube is really turning into a cesspool of garbage. What is actually useful in that AI video?

 

Lol... ok keyboard warrior... let's hear your piece. What issue could you possibly have with this method compared to using crappy spring compressors that most people on here would use?

Also, it's not an AI video. The creator of that video didn't want to use his own voice so he used a voice over.

 

No idea brah. Couldn't get more than 30 seconds into it. Did you watch this trash? Did you make it? It's a robot voice over some photos.

Please tell us how it is helpful.

 

I didn't create it. If you don't have the patience or attention span to get through more than 30 seconds of an educational video (no matter how bad the production quality is), that's a personal issue you have. He has actual video of him performing the steps once you get through the first part.

I used this video to understand the process to decompress a coil-over spring while on the vehicle. It was extremely helpful.

 

Not at all safe, the best way to do this is with a solid mounted spring compressor.

However I have done this in the past before I became a professional along with those widow makers they call spring compressors. One time I worked in a shop where the real spring compressor was broken and they got us those two "compressors". I'd say this is about the same amount of safe.

 

Or perhaps my personal issue is that I am functionally literate and I don't really rely on click bait garbage AI "content" to help me figure things out.

 

I don't think it's accurate to say "not at all safe". It's easily safer than the rental spring compressors (the ones you refer to as the widow makers which I agree). Safest would be a wall mounted industrial compressors as you suggested. However, the method seen in this video is no less safe than jacking your truck up from the lower control arm. Yes, I understand this can be unsafe too but the point is, many of us have jacked our trucks up form the lower control arms and with jack stands holding the weight of your truck up, there is literally nowhere for the spring to go if there is an issue. It stays put in the spring perch. At no point was there ever an "oh shit moment" when I decompressed and compressed the springs as seen in the video unlike those rental spring compressors.

You need to look up the definition of clickbait and AI content... maybe even look up the definition of functionally literate while you're at it too.

 

This actually works. Just because it has a computer voice doesn't mean it's garbage. My bet is you never work on your stuff so you just call stuff out as BS.

 

Yea show use how dangerous it is. Still connected on both ends with no spring pressure. Better yet put 2 spring compressors on it and show us your technique. Another keboard warrior with zero experience doing this job.

 

Ok brah.

 

Lol... the fact that you think that method is somehow safer than the "AI robot clickbait video"... explains everything about your silly responses.

 

And your user name checks out.

 

One critique of the video is it looks like he put the top rubber spring seat in upside down. That will mess with ride height a little.

I've used this method numerous times. I feel much more comfortable doing it this way then those crappy ones you rent from auto parts stores (i have used those too). Those ones golfinda are using look pretty nice though. Still an arduous task going back and forth, HOPEFULLY with a power tool. If you are using hand tools, the level of suckage increases exponentially.

One thing about the on the car method is when you put it back together, you need to be wary of the center bolt getting hung up and possibly damaging the threads.

Lastly, one good thing about the on the car method is your new shing springs don't get all scratched up by the spring compressor.

 

You’re just full of pointless responses aren’t you? Every thread needs a troll I guess.

All great points. I also noticed (happens with this method or with the compressor method) that some of the washers can get stuck in the top hat. You need to pay close attention to the correct orientation of washers when putting everything back together. I also found it slightly more challenging to line up the top hat rubber spring seat when doing the on truck method as well as making sure the threaded shaft lines up with the spring perch hole. Easy if you have a second person manning the jack for this step. The rest of the job can be done solo.

 

Maybe I wasn't clear in writing my response, it is unsafe but can be done is a safer way. Like driving a car which is unsafe but can be done safely. I myself personally have used all three methods discussed. I'm not saying it doesn't work and can't be done safer by keeping the lower fasteners in place but that doesn't make it safer than a mounted spring compressor.

With a spring like a Tacoma's, yes this is manageable. On like a Tahoe front spring, it's a little dicey