[TR] Spring compressor

[Randall]

> You can make your own with a length of 1/2 in all thread, 
> nuts, large washers and a block of 2x4. I've used mine several times.

Ditto, except I used 3/4" rod and a piece of steel from the scrap box at the bottom (probably a generator pulley half from a VW bug,
but not certain).
<http://s258.photobucket.com/user/TR3driver/media/Tools/Springcompressor.jpg.html>

One of the great things about the factory tool IMO is that it doesn't actually grab the spring at all (so no chance of slipping on
the hard, slick, slanted surface of the spring).  Instead it pinches the spring between its normal mounts, the tower on top and the
spring pan on the bottom.  Nothing to slip!

Many years ago, I picked up a full size Buick spring that was compressed with the common internal-style compressor.  We had no
trouble getting it off the car, and the spring had been laying on the driveway for some time as we changed ball joints (or whatever
it was).  Just as I picked it up, the compressor shot out so hard it flew across the street, and the spring went the other way.
Rapped my knuckles pretty good, but no real damage done.  Could have been a lot worse, though!

-- Randall