Front coil spacer install with spring compressor

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Mar 31, 2012 | 08:15 AM

#11

r3cluse

JK Enthusiast

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 432

Likes: 2

From: Anchorage, AK

I used a spring compressor on each side of the spring, works like a champ. Be sure to use either a ratcheting wrench or an air gun. You'll kill your arms and burn hours otherwise.

Mar 31, 2012 | 08:23 AM

#12

Bamoman

JK Freak

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 521

Likes: 0

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigf350sd

X2. I did mine like this, also. Once the shocks and sway bar links are disconnected, and i also removed the track bar bolt, I had jack stands under the frame, just behind the lower control arm mounts, and eased the axle down. do the entire axle at once, rather than one side, doing one side at a time will bind the control arm bushings, and not allow it to droop as far. Doing it this way, pretty much the only thing limiting droop is the brake lines.

Mine was a PITA I wished I had the spring compressor...would have made is a lot easier

Aug 16, 2012 | 03:11 PM

#13

dkulakow

JK Newbie

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 28

Likes: 0

From: Livonia, MI

where on the axle would it be best to position the floor jack? the differential "pumpkin" is offset making it unbalanced for lowering the axle

Aug 16, 2012 | 03:16 PM

#14

dkulakow

JK Newbie

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 28

Likes: 0

From: Livonia, MI

for the front axle

Aug 16, 2012 | 03:24 PM

#15

Hodge7467

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Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 435

Likes: 1

From: Olympia, WA

Hi lift jack works perfect. Disco your sway bar and undo your shocks and lift away. It will give you plenty of room to put in some spacers.

Aug 16, 2012 | 04:01 PM

#16

BKGM Jeepers

JK Junkie

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 2,818

Likes: 3

From: Folsom, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulcan classic

Anyone ever try installing a spacer using spring compressor? I just finished my OME lift and ended up with a rake. I'd like to get it level but hate to redo the whole install again, damn it, LOL!

I'm thinking do one side at a time, remove wheel, disconnect shock and sway bar link and use compressor to pull the spring, add 1" spacer and reinstall then do other side. Thoughts?

Spring compressors are dangerous and a waste of time on a jeep. It's literally 7 bolts to install the spacers (plus your lug nut removal). I can do a spacer install in under 1 hr with a jack and 4 jack stands.

Be safe and avoid coil spring compressors.

Aug 16, 2012 | 06:34 PM

#17

mkjeep

JK Jedi Master

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 15,665

Likes: 4

From: Hammond Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by r3cluse

I used a spring compressor on each side of the spring, works like a champ. Be sure to use either a ratcheting wrench or an air gun. You'll kill your arms and burn hours otherwise.

Really no need for the air gun, drop the axle, jack up the side your taking the spring out for compression, slip the compressors on, let that side down and remove the spring, install spacer, replace spring.
Jack that side to take the load off springs, remove compressors.