Front Suspension

The more I read about spring compressors the more worried I got. But I hiked up my skirt, rented 2 different types of compressors and set out to get ‘er done. What could go wrong?

At this point I decided it might be best to have a professional handle this part. After calling around, the best I could do to get the springs compressed and shocks attached was $50 each side. That seemed a bit steep so I texted my buddy Jerod whom I’d met in the T4R.org forums to see if he knew of anyone in town that might do it cheaper. Instead of sending me elsewhere he offered to give me a hand. He told me he was able to do his without using a spring compressor so I returned what I’d borrowed to AutoZone and headed out.

But when we tried lowering the control arm to fit the new uncompressed spring in, we hit a wall. No matter what we tried we were at least two inches short of getting the bottom of the spring bolted in place. Fortunately it was only 8:45pm and there was another AutoZone nearby. So we headed over and rented both of the compressors I’d just returned (I also found out that AutoZone will let you return loaners up to 90 days later. I’d only used O’Reilly’s and they give you 48 hours).

I didn’t want to slow us down as we’d already been at this for 3 1/2 hours so I don’t have pictures but after struggling with the other compressor we were able to get everything put together and installed. Unsurprisingly the second side went in much faster and with fewer parts loosened or removed. Here are a few of the related images I have:

Bottom line, we got it done and it only took 6 hours. I’m sure I would’ve been in bad shape without Jerod’s help. After I arrived it became clear that he had been expecting (and willing) to help with the rear suspension as well. Hell of a guy. Good thing I did that last week!