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Old 12-20-2007, 12:58 PM   #1
edl
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Default strut v spring compressor
guys...pls forgive my ignorance...but can this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43753 be used as a normal spring compressor for the double wishbone design seen on most old cars? - thanks for educating me - ed!
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Old 12-20-2007, 03:40 PM   #2
Danglerb
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Compressing springs can be so dangerous, I don't like just two jaws of bent metal.
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Old 12-20-2007, 04:12 PM   #3
NOMAD
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I'd go to autozone and get the free loaners that are made of hard metal.
I don't like the looks of that one and the HF stuff scares me (from past experience with tools breaking) for something like springs. You don't want to get it wrong...
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Old 12-20-2007, 06:21 PM   #4
russlaferrera
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I have the same one. I have done 5 sets of struts without any problems. I did change all the bolts to US grade 8, just to be sure.
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Old 12-20-2007, 09:54 PM   #5
Uncle Buck
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Originally Posted by russlaferrera View Post
I have the same one. I have done 5 sets of struts without any problems. I did change all the bolts to US grade 8, just to be sure.
That sounds like a smart move!......The grade 8 thing!
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Old 12-20-2007, 10:00 PM   #6
Charles (in GA)
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Default Re: strut v spring compressor
NO, the springs used on older cars are much thicker and heavier and stronger than the little springs used on the modern light weight cars. Probably would not work, certainly not safe.

Charles
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Old 12-20-2007, 10:02 PM   #7
edl
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Originally Posted by Charles (in GA) View Post
NO, the springs used on older cars are much thicker and heavier and stronger than the little springs used on the modern light weight cars. Probably would not work, certainly not safe.

Charles
thx charles...that's the answer ... thx all

so something more like this...?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/...atalogId=10101
Last edited by edl; 12-20-2007 at 10:07 PM.
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Old 12-20-2007, 11:17 PM   #8
Danglerb
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Originally Posted by edl View Post
thx charles...that's the answer ... thx all

so something more like this...?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/...atalogId=10101
Nope. (not based on any actual experience with this tool, general dislike of 2 hook vs 3 hook style)

http://www.arizonatools.com/tools/strut-compressors/
Last edited by Danglerb; 12-20-2007 at 11:49 PM.
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Old 12-20-2007, 11:21 PM   #9
ImportTuner
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Default Re: strut v spring compressor
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Originally Posted by edl View Post
thx charles...that's the answer ... thx all

so something more like this...?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/...atalogId=10101
Yep ... that's the one ... I still have it -- used it to change springs on my 65 GTO and 66 Olds 442 ... and have not used it since ..
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