350kmileFord

I did a search here and most people seem to have iffy results with basic, internal-style spring compressors. What about this external clamp style?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ing+compressor

It's relatively bulky/stiff. I question it's use because it is in 2 pieces/not a solid entity. Thoughts? People seemed to like the style that bolted to the shock tower-I am not familiar with this style.

64.5stanger

Two reasons people perfer the boltable shock tower units, that they are safer if they slip off the coil and you only have to hook up 2 hooks vs 4. the ones you linked should work fine just take twice as long, you will have to tightn each alittle at a time and go back and forth for semi even compression.

1slow67

I wouldn't use that one.

.boB

I'v been using the internal style for many years without any problems at all. I think the people who have problems are the ones that buy the cheapest tool they can get.

The compresser you linke to is for a strut. They don't work as well (IMO) as the internal style. But it's all you can use on a strut.

LynnBob Mustang

If you don't have one and need one I would save the cash and just rent one from your local auto store and put the $$$ that you would have used to buy one and use it some place else.

Lynn

4reboy

Just use the one you can rent at autozone, it is very easy and very safe. Just be sure to align everything so the unit is centered, then it will compress properly and safely.

The one you linked is for strut springs, I've used them before on my friends bmw and they are a pain. Two things you have to align perfectly and also two bolts you have to turn... Also the two separate pieces should be put on 180° away from each other so with the spring inside the shock tower it may be difficult to put it on the backside of the spring, and even if you do get it on the back side of the spring you still have to turn the bolt somehow.

tx65coupe

I actually own that one and I don't really care for it. On the Mustang there isn't enough room inside the fender for it to work very well either. I would use the one with the internal shaft.

Joe1967

aw jeez, that is the kind i used 2 days ago, everyone here makes it sound soooo hard, its not, i got both coils out in about 15 minutes with that kind.

jonward786

fixed that part for you

Joe1967

not nearly as dangerous as an internal...
it didnt need fixed, any time your working with a spring there is some danger involved and the tool itself is the least of the worries,if proper safety is practiced and commonsense is not disregarded all tools are safe.