is this harbor freight spring compressor suicide?

Has anybody used these spring compressors? Do they look any better than the harbor freight/auto parts loaners?

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...rut+tools_-1_1498&keyword=shock+&+strut+tools

 

I just re-valved my shocks and what a pain using the old school spring compressor and marked up the lower threads on the shock...

If I have to make another adjustment I getting something like this...

 

Many tools at harbor freight are indeed junk, however to say that they all will break after one use is rubbish. I've used their sockets, screwdrivers, ratchets and ratcheting box wrenches and various other things 3-5 days a week heavy use for the last 5 years at work and I've only suffered one loss (ratcheting box end came apart). You have to look closely at what your buying there is all.

But back on topic, in the end I think its easier to pay a shop 20-50 bucks to compress your shocks for you and replace what you need to replace. I've used my local pep boys for this for some time and they've even done it for free before.

 

I have the Napa/everlast spring compressors. I think they were 60$, but if you have an AAA membership you will get 10% off. I've used them probably 3 times now for my audi, 4runner and tacoma.

 

You know, you can also just use your truck as the spring compressor - do all your other steps for pulling the shock assembly out, except instead of removing the three strut mount nuts, put a jack under the LCA, put a little pressure on it, remove just the shock nut (and leave the strut mount bolted in), then slowly lower the jack to un-compress/unassemble it. Then do the opposite to reassemble. Quick, easy, and safer than using a sketchy spring compressor (unless you have access to a legit hydraulic one). Have done this numerous times.

**Edit mwc273 beat me to it while I writing up my post

 

Related topic - I need to replace the struts on my stock 2010. Since they aren't horribly expensive, why shouldn't I buy the complete assembly already put together. Just unbolt and bolt the new ones in. Less hassle but more money (but not that much if you have to buy a spring compressor). Tell me why that's not a bad idea, please.

 

Has anybody tried this process with Fox coilovers? I guess you'd have to take the bottom of instead of the top since to adjustment spring would have to be installed before you start?

 

Headstrong Off Road sells the struts and coils pre assembled for like $100.

 

Only works for stock type shocks like OME, Bilsteins ect...

 

I used their other style they had (black ones) worked perfect from the 5100 install.. was worried but they held up just fine

 

Consider having the coils installed on the shock by your vendor.

 

i had a local garage install my OME 885 on my 5100's for $50,took them 1/2 hour,i wouldn't waste my money on a cheap tool.

 

I installed my 5100s without a spring compressor. I just lined up all the parts how I wanted them, put the lower bolt in with the nut just finger tight, and ever so slowly used my floor jack to push the LCA up and the whole assembly went right into place. I threaded the top nut on the shock and tightened everything down, let pressure off the jack and retorqued all the parts, threw my wheels back on and got it aligned. The rears gave me more of a fight than the front, they were so rusted I ended up cutting the end of the shock arm off, straight through the nut and everything. Had everything on for a few thousand miles so far and no problems whatsoever.

 

I use harbor freight on occasion, but I wouldnt touch that compressor with a 10ft stick. Some things you just dont cheap out on... My 2 cents...

 

I buy stuff from HF too, but I have a rule: don't buy anything that, if it fails, can kill you.