1/2 Ton Strut Spring Compressor

[spasm3]

I have a friend with a 2015 silverado that soon needs struts.
I have a set of spring compressors that I have used on many fwd cars, olds ciera etc.

I question whether they are strong enough/ safe enough to use on a truck like this.
They are 30 years old, made probably before trucks had struts.
Here is a pic. Use them? Or get a better set?

 

[skyactiv]

The good modern ones have safety slide pins to help prevent the spring from popping out.

 

[The_Jeff]

Those are obsolete in that they don't have the pins that help grip the springs.

I'd get a new set but back them up with one or both of those, IE use three or four at a time, working your way around in small intervals.

 

[GMBoy]

I searched for specifications and any info on this and all I come up with is this:

https://www.chavda.com/products/amp...0Qw9WAB2GQe3jDhAU2NSgHkNfG5GDr3hd5b6b2VTM_YPt

With that, I would try it. If it can compress them it should be able to hold them compressed for the time you need. Put some oil on the threads to help it along also.

 

[spasm3]

Those are obsolete in that they don't have the pins that help grip the springs.

I'd get a new set but back them up with one or both of those, IE use three or four at a time, working your way around in small intervals.

Any recommendations for a set that would be truck worthy ?

@Trav Have any recommendations?

 

[ctechbob]

I wouldn't have any problem using them, but I only use compressors for putting the assembly together and have everything set up to make it as quick as possible.

Disassembly I don't bother. As long as you have an impact you can take them apart quickly and easily.

Assuming you're using mostly new parts that is, and don't have to keep track of all the washers and nuts that will come off the assembly.

 

[daniel327]

I'd use them. Just use some zip ties to stop the hooks from disengaging from the spring.

 

[Arc]

They get a little scary when they crack in the middle of using them. Mine cracked where it goes around the bolt.

 

[fozzdesy2001]

those are scary compressors.

 

[Trav]

Any recommendations for a set that would be truck worthy ?

@Trav Have any recommendations?

Some springs are very heavy and hard and can be dangerous to compress, the best compressors I know of are pricey from Klann and Kukko, there is one made in USA from Ken Tool that is like the Kukko for much less coin. these are old school tools with no safety features so you need to be careful where you stand.
My recommendation would be to pull the whole strut unit and take them to a shop with a floor/wall mounted tool and ask them to swap the bits over, they wont/shouldn't charge a lot to do it.

Ken tool

 

[spasm3]

Some springs are very heavy and hard and can be dangerous to compress, the best compressors I know of are pricey from Klann and Kukko, there is one made in USA from Ken Tool that is like the Kukko for much less coin. these are old school tools with no safety features so you need to be careful where you stand.
My recommendation would be to pull the whole strut unit and take them to a shop with a floor/wall mounted tool and ask them to swap the bits over, they wont/shouldn't charge a lot to do it.

Ken tool

Thanks!

I keep the struts on their side and never with my body over either end. Never in a vise as all the energy is in one direction if something lets go, not divided like it would be on the side on the concrete.

I looked at the ken tool ones, interesting they say don't use on GM A,C, J or X bodies. I wonder if they mean the 64-77 models or the FWD A bodies ?

 

[JHZR2]

Any recommendations for a set that would be truck worthy ?

@Trav Have any recommendations?

Look at Klann compressors.

 

[wtd]

I would not use that type of compressor on that truck spring. I would do like Trav said and take it to a shop that has a professional style spring compressor. You could also check FB Market place for a used Branick compressor or OTC Strut tamer.