By Chris S. on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 03:09 pm: Edit

I am trying to lift my disco but I cannot find anyone to rent me a spring compressor. I know everyone has said Pep Boys but the guy there said that theirs were not strong enough for stand alone coil springs, that they only worked for strut springs which are smaller and not as strong. Where else can I get one or is this guy not know what he is talking about? Thanks alot!
Chris

By Matt on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 03:17 pm: Edit

I rented mine from Auto Zone. Somebody also said that you can buy one, use it, then return it within 30 days and get your money back.

I've also heard that if you remove the sway bars you can remove the springs without a compressor, which would make life easier, I think.

Good luck

By Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 03:29 pm: Edit

That is very true. I just fitted my DII with an early christmas present of OME Springs and Shocks. A compressor was not required as illustrated on www.expeditionexchange.com.

V22Guy

By Clint on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 03:31 pm: Edit

My friend installed OME HD on his disco 2 without a compressor.
Just disconnect the swaybars and do one corner at a time.
Undo the shock and remove one of the radius arm bolts. Jack up that corner of the frame and the tire stays on the ground.
You just remove the spring as is.
You might have to watch the brake lines though.
It seems less dangerous as you don't have all that stored up energy waiting to explode in the compressor.
I wasn't there so I don't have any more specifics than that.

By Robert Mann (Oldscout) on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 03:48 pm: Edit

I bought this one for 7.99!:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3980
It worked just fine on my RTE 3" HD's
Your welcome to borrow it if your close, I'm in Stockton, Ca Bob
209-547-0307

By Matt Milbrandt (95discovery) on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 03:59 pm: Edit

You're welcome to use mine if you are anywhere near Cincinnati, OH.

Matt

By Ron on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 04:02 pm: Edit

You don't need it. You don't have to pull the sway bars. just stock a jack between the radius arm and the frame and you will get all the clearance you need.

Ron

By E Snyder on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 08:55 pm: Edit

Use the bottle jack as Ron says. No need to get a compressor. I just did spring swaps with 3" RTEs on a Disco and Defender, as well as put spacers under mine. Watch the brake lines, you should loosen them from their clips. Undoing the front swaybar can help, to keep from jacking down onto the front driveshaft.

By gp (Garrett) on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 10:14 pm: Edit

wish i would have tried it the 'Ron Way'. put new OME springs on a few weeks backs. lots of fun. actually it was a nice weekend out and spending quality time with the rover was good. but dealing with the compressors can get to you. got mine from Pep Boys. no rental fee.......just bring them back and get all the deposit back.

that reminds me.......better get them back tomorrow. oops.

ps: there is a cutie that works there too..........BONUS!!

By Chris S. on Thursday, November 29, 2001 - 01:02 pm: Edit

Garrett,
Did you get the one that is technically for "MacPherson Struts"? I think it will work, is it hard to use? I like the fact it doesn't cost anything as long as you take it back. Thanks
Chris

By gp (Garrett) on Thursday, November 29, 2001 - 01:21 pm: Edit

i just got back from Pep Boys from dropping it off. was $50 to take out and then you get it all back when you are done. it was not JUST for MacPherson Struts. could use it for any type. they are pretty simple to figure out, but just takes some time and patience to do the job. one thing i made sure of was lubing the threads real good before i started really cranking to compress the spring. otherwise it is harder to compress and you can strip the threads with all the pressure and friction. the compressor from Pep Boys was pretty stout......had two large bolts (12" long) with bolts and washers. then each large bolt had a two brackets. the brackets then attached to small u-shaped brackets threaded at each end. these attached to the actual spring at the easiest location you can find. they come as a set of course and have to do either side or the best you can.
just make sure before you take off with the tool that all the threads on the bolts and nuts and working well. i had them send two sets back before i got one that was complete and working.
good luck.

By Bill Bettridge (Billb) on Thursday, November 29, 2001 - 02:32 pm: Edit

Speaking of PEP Boys - just got back from picking up a dist cap and while I was there noticed they had the Futura Muds (235-85-16) on sale for a set of 4 for $379.00 mounted/balanced. That's a hell of a deal.

Bill

By Steve (Steve2) on Thursday, November 29, 2001 - 03:00 pm: Edit

you can get pirelli scorpion mt's (load range C) for slightly less/ about the same.... if it were between futuras and the pirellis - i'd get the pirrelis!

but i still love my bridgestones!!

CASMF