I have a load of equipment on its way from Northridge and a few other bits and pieces I have picked up.

I was looking to add to my garage and since I have never serviced this type of front end I wanted to get you folks to weigh in:
First:
.amazon.com/Advanced-Tool-Design-ATD-3054-MacPherson/dp/B000OUW78O/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1306631060&sr= 1-4[/url]

Second:
.amazon.com/Neiko-5-Piece-Front-Service-Storage/dp/B000FEDLAM/ref=pd_sbs_auto_8[/url]
(why would i not just use a pickle fork and mallet?)

Have any other good suggestions? I have been searching the threads for similar posts but not much luck yet.
Thank you

 

What are you installing? I have not used the spring compressor I own yet to install at least a half dozen lifts. It's dangerous and just not necessary in most cases. Three people and loosening up most of the suspension components make it pretty straight-forward to install the new springs. One person to push down on the axle on the side you're working on, one to lift up on the other end of that axle, the other to install the spring. You can replace one person with a jack, but if you're doing it by yourself--well, it's really better to have some help at that stage. HINT: Don't push the bumpstop in place until the spring is in place. Just lay it loose within the spring. Once the spring is set in place, use a board across the spring coils below the bumpstop, one person guiding it in place, and a jack under the axle to push up until the bumpstop engages. If you have the bumpstop on before installing the spring, it's a lot tougher fit because you must turn the spring at a larger angle to slip it into place.

As for the front end tools, when I replaced my tie rod and drag link I was really wishing I owned one of those special tools. The pickel and mallet barely worked--there's really not good access--and I really beat on things hard and was worried that I might damage the steering box. I've since picked up the set of special tools just in case I ever need to do that job again. I think you'll appreciate the one on the far right when you actually begin your work.

 

Thanks for the info, I am doing most of this by myself that is why I was looking at those compressors.
My dern dog just sits there and stares at me while I work so it will be me and a nice quiet weekend.

If anyone has any other tips/tools I have not thought about please share. Maybe another noob will find it helpful also.