I don’t like the looks of any of the ones posted here, only because I have used one of the 4-hook versions for 40 years. Same one. Has served me and a few buddies very well. When you start dealing with the spring cover/rubber travel stop around the spring in the fender well, that thing can get in the way of some compressors. The four hook doesn’t have this concern, but you do need to be able to work your fingers in to get the hooks on properly as they are staggered due to the coil spring dimensions changing…
Edit: I checked my piece and IT IS the K-D Tools Coil Spring Compressor Tool 2528
This may have been replaced by a 3528…but if you look around on Google you may find an old stock version of the 2528.
I found one on ebay at the moment for a good price. It doesn’t look over used. The large nut on the top of the center threaded rod is where you will notice the most use. Using impact tools on the top nut will also wear them faster, and give the nut a shiny look from being impacted so much.
The trick using any of these spring compressors is getting familiar with what you can do to make the job easier… loading the suspension before you install the compressor, then once it is in place you can tighten it a bit, then unload the suspension (think floor jack helping you!) carefully…tightening compressor if you need more squish…then rotate the spring to “unthread it” from the lower spring perch.
Treat a compressed spring with the utmost respect…lots of stored up kinetic energy in there that you do not want to release suddenly!
With trial and error you will learn the do’s and don’ts. If you want to remove both springs at the same time, then it’s a little trickier as this will determined how much bite you can take and still release the tool without unthreading the compressor!!!..Not a good thing.
I bought this style way back in the 80’s…and it was expensive then… but they seem to be about the same price today! ( I recall spending about $70-ish…perhaps the prices came down since Royce procured his by the time I got mine! However it was worth every penny I spent…and every time I use it, I am reminded of this.
If you can borrow one of these good ones from your local auto parts store to do the job, and you don’t see yourself doing the job a lot…that would be the best way to fly. If more Cougars and similar Fords is in your future, then pay up. It will last you a lifetime!
Cheers!
Steve
