Club 80-90 Forums

Any recommendations for a suitable spring compressor for changing the springs on my syncro? Or should a generic one do?

I'm using the same one I used in my bug days (not much has changed with model evolution). Looks very similar to:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LASER-Expert ... SwnNBXUB9W" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

CovKid wrote:I'm using the same one I used in my bug days (not much has changed with model evolution). Looks very similar to:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LASER-Expert ... SwnNBXUB9W" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That one is not very good for suspension springs though.......

I'd just make sure it's meaty enough. I used some that were bending with the strain, very scary really.

I'll probably go for these, seems much more stable to be supported both sides.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/hilka-pro-cr ... -set/45986

Titus A Duxass wrote:

CovKid wrote:I'm using the same one I used in my bug days (not much has changed with model evolution). Looks very similar to:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LASER-Expert ... SwnNBXUB9W" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That one is not very good for suspension springs though.......

My thoughts were just the same as CovKid's - might have helped to have more info to start with.

I have the screw fix one and its not that great, didnt seem to fit the springs very well but did the job. Thats definitely the type you want

Lesson learned: Don't go with this type. I got two springs off before it twisted and broke...

I found on the Syncro that to get a good spread between the two compressors you need the small single hook type, there used to be a cast head set reasonable price from Sealey and Sykes-Pickavant but I had a google for them and seem no longer made and all the newer equivalent have safety retainers on them now which may not work as the heads are bigger to accomodate the pins

I could rent you my set

We have a hydraulic press for compressing springs on a strut but using the pairs of 'manual' ones is one job that makes me wince every time I see people doing it, I recall to many times when they have slapped together at high speed when slipping on a spring.

Ian

Having struggled in the past with getting spring compressors to fit the front coils on a T3 and clear the body, I was then advise to follow the Book of Lies technique for removal and refitting:
Having released the damper rod etc, support the lower arm with a trolley jack, unbolt the arm at the body end and lower the lot. Remove spring, damper etc
Reverse operations to refit.
Couldn't be easier and actually quicker than using spring compressors!

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silverbullet wrote:Having struggled in the past with getting spring compressors to fit the front coils on a T3 and clear the body, I was then advise to follow the Book of Lies technique for removal and refitting:
Having released the damper rod etc, support the lower arm with a trolley jack, unbolt the arm at the body end and lower the lot. Remove spring, damper etc
Reverse operations to refit.
Couldn't be easier and actually quicker than using spring compressors!

I can't comment on the Syncro part of the original post … 2wd you don't need spring compressors though.

Ian

I've never needed or used spring compressors, either on 2wd or Syncro. I'm glad someone else has said it, as I was wondering what all the fuss was about. Apart from yer spanners, a trolley jack, axle stands and a f'off big bar or two are all that's needed. And some swearwords.

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ajsimmo wrote:I've never needed or used spring compressors, either on 2wd or Syncro. I'm glad someone else has said it, as I was wondering what all the fuss was about. Apart from yer spanners, a trolley jack, axle stands and a f'off big bar or two are all that's needed. And some swearwords.

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As far as 2wd fronts go, there's no way I could see a way to get my springs in without them- do you take off the lower control arm to get them in? Thrre just wasn't near enough space to get them in. It scared the hell out of me using them, so would do anything to avoid using them again.

I have been known to pop the bottom bolt out if I'm really struggling, but usually can get enough downward movement with the wife on the end of a scaffold pole, and lever the spring into place with a couple of bars. Taking the radius rod out is another option if I'm working on my own.

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