Daystar install/ coil compressor

[CIverson]

For anyone who's installed spacers in their 03 what kind of compressor did you use. I went and picked one up from the local parts store and it was too small for the coils on the truck.



I've checked all around town and all they have are the same compressor at every store



thanks

 

[RankRam]

Try the equipment rental stores in town.



You can get them at very resonable rates, and their plenty big to get the job done.

 

[CIverson]

Originally posted by RankRam

Try the equipment rental stores in town.



You can get them at very resonable rates, and their plenty big to get the job done.

I tried the equipment rental place in town, but they don't carry any. Anyone know of a place online I can order from?

 

[y-knot]

When I installed my spacer, I just used a normal (cheap) spring compressor. The kind that has a piece of threaded rod, and a hook on each end. They are very big springs, and have alot of tension, but it workd and I was happy.

 

[Duck]

Originally posted by y-knot

When I installed my spacer, I just used a normal (cheap) spring compressor. The kind that has a piece of threaded rod, and a hook on each end. They are very big springs, and have alot of tension, but it workd and I was happy.

Same here. The parts guy did ask me if I wanted the small or the large kit. I went with the large and it worked OK.

 

[CIverson]

So you guys used the ones that go on the outside of the coils like those used on struts right?



I thought those might break as they aren't used on springs that are so stiff.



The ones I found at the parts stores were the ones that go inside the coil and have the dual pivoting clamps on each end.

 

[Peter Campbell]

I cheated once. Removed the shocks, loosened the brake line support clips on the axle, stupid vent tube,was ready to remove the front driveshaft- lowered away the axle and the stock springs came out by hand. That was on my dodge '95 gasser and a few years ago. Getting new springs in may be more difficult, but the less you need to compress the better ( less energy to dissipate into a fender, hand or face )

 

[CIverson]

Originally posted by Peter Campbell

I cheated once. Removed the shocks, loosened the brake line support clips on the axle, stupid vent tube,was ready to remove the front driveshaft- lowered away the axle and the stock springs came out by hand. That was on my dodge '95 gasser and a few years ago. Getting new springs in may be more difficult, but the less you need to compress the better ( less energy to dissipate into a fender, hand or face )

Unfortunately on the 03's the suspension does not droop enough to install them w/o compressors. I had done a set on my 98 by placing a bottle jack between the frame and axle to get them in, but the passenger side spring on the 03 just barely has enough room to come out w/ the stocks and sway bar disconnected at full droop.

 

[DF5152]

see if u can find one like this #ad

 

[SS]

I haven't gotten to work on an '03, but I would look at removing one of the control arm bolts to get more droop instead of using a spring compressor. Worked quite well on my '01. Less work to remove a couple of bolts (said from experience. )



When you are done with the install make sure you loosen the control arm bolts (one by one if concerned about alignment) to allow the bushings to normalize with the weight on the tires. Made a big difference in ride quality on mine.

 

[Duck]

I unbolted just about every attached to the front axles within reason, and it just wouldn't go.

03's are different.

Yes, it was a cheap outside the coil, threaded rod and nuts tool.