I'm changing every one of my shocks to KYB shocks and was wondering the best way to compress the springs without a spring compressor?

 

there is no safe way with out a spring compresser for the front springs.you can put the back of the car on jack stands then you can put a jack under the rear and disconnect the shock then slowly let the jack down then pull the spring out. you may need someone to stand on the axle to give you that extra inch to wiggle the spring out. dont even mess with the front without the proper tools you can rent one at most auto parts stores. ive seen these things go thru cinder block walls i dont even want to think about if one hits a person

 

^ You don't need to remove the rear springs to change the shocks, they're unrelated.
But you would need to disconnect the shocks to remove the springs, which he isn't doing.

 

your right. he asked about compressing springs so a gave a description on both front and back. even so im sure you will agree with me on the front springs

 

Alright well how much does renting a spring compressor go for? I can go by autozone today. Guess I'll get the rear shocks for now then. So the rear springs arent connected to the shocks at all?

 

They usually don't charge for the rental, but they want a deposit equal to the cost of the tools, in case you decide to keep them.

 

I just bought a set of compressors from auto zone for $30. Renting costs about 40

 

But you get that $40 right back when you return the compressor (unbroken).

 

I like to add to my repository of tools. Plus I will need them again when I buy bilsteins.

 

OK, here is the problem I have with my 95 V6 3.4L. I have been noticing that there seemed to be weakness in the rear suspension. i.e. I put my two small children in the back seat and a trip down the interstate is now full of bumps and rattles from the rear.

I put it on the lift, disconnected the top shock mount, lifted the car and checked the amount of actual pressure in the shocks, seemed fine. The axle bump stops are totally gone, nothing left of them but the mounting bolts.

The springs, on the other hand, are totally ruined. Since the shocks seemed to be ok I decided to check the springs while I was there anyhow. Before I grabbed the spring compressors and impact driver, I grabbed them with one hand and gave them a squeeze, they easily compressed under the power of a single hand, and I actually removed them from the car with no tools. Talk about weak springs.

Now, the question I have is this, I need a good set of springs for the rear. Any suggestions?