Don,
You can make up your own spring compressor. Head to the hardware store
and buy a length of 3/4" threaded steel rod. You'll need to nuts, and
two lagre washers. On one end I used a nylock, you could use two nuts
locked together (in which case you'll need 3 all together).
Now comes the hardest part. Get a 3" x 4" plate of 1/4" steel. Drill an
oversize 3/4" hole (needs to be sloppy, you'll see why) in the center.
You'll have to use a grinder to shape the 1/4" plate to fit loosely
around the 4 bolts (bottom shock mount) on bottom plate that keeps the
springs in place.
This assembly goes in place of your shock. Assemble on the threaded rod,
in order from the bottom: nylock nut, 1/4" steel plate. Atop the shock
tower, place the two washers and turn down fingertight the remaining
nut. You should have roughly 6" of threads above thetop nut. Tighten top
nut a bit with a wrench and you should see the spring begin to
compress.
Once the spring is unloaded you should be able to loosen the six nuts
and bolts (including the rubber bump stop) that hold the bottom spring
retaining plate in place. Once it's out of the way, slowly release the
spring.
Putting it back together is just the reverse. These is a trick to it,
though. While at the hardware store, pick up a couple 5/16" x 5" bolts
w/nuts. Also get lots of washers or some spacers. (I use both. 1-1/4"
spacers, a couple dozen washers) It's difficult to get the spring
retaining plate to go back on straight and line up with the two studes
at the back, the rubber bumper and the other 3 bolt holes. I get it
roughly positioned with the compressor. Then use the smaller bolts to
help position the plate and, along with the compressor, gradually work
it back into place. A large rubber mallet helps, too.
I just completed LH assembly, about to start on the RH. I'm working with
heavy duty competition springs..
What ever you do, DON'T use the technique outlined by a TR owner in the
current Moss Motoring magazine. He just stuck a jack under the assembly
and gradually released it. This works some of the time. It also slips
some of the time and those springs can take off and do some serious
damage to you, your car, your dog, your garage.
On the other hand, Moss offers a more well engineered tool that the one
I describe above. I used a picture of it as a guide making my own.
Good luck. Send a note if you have any questions.
Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif.
'62 TR4 #CT17602
don pikovnik wrote:
> ....Next step is to remove the front springs for which I'll need a
> spring
> compressor. Recommendations? ...
> what's left of TS59418L
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MZ
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