Spacer Lift Questions

AlexNorton74 · Sep 29, 2016

Alright guys, I have spent hours upon hours going through these threads trying to prepare myself to install my new lift. Got an eBay 3.5/2.5 kit for my 03 EB. Feeling pretty confident but I have a few questions. Do I absolutely need a spring compressor or can I do without? I'm worried that once I attach the spacer and try to reinstall the spring and shock that it won't line up on the bottom where the bolt goes back through the bottom of the shock. Am I overthinking this, or can I use a jack or something to press it up into place in order to bolt it back? Any help is extremely appreciated!

1955moose · Sep 30, 2016

Well maybe it's just me, but I never had any luck getting a coil spring in without a 4 hook two on each side spring compressor. I've seen it done with pry bars if your SUV is high enough jacked up in front, to pull lower control arm down. The rear is easy, you disconnect shocks, brake hoses and lower differential till springs pop out. You can rent a spring compressor from most of the big name stores. Piece of advice spray the threads of tool with oil or good lubricant. Wear safety glasses, install hooks 180 degrees apart from each other. These are heavy springs, use a quality tool.

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AlexNorton74 · Sep 30, 2016

Preciate the insight. I have pulled the tires off and kind of looked around to see what it's going to take to get this done. Any idea how much those spring compressors cost to rent? I have tons of auto stores around me so im sure one of them has what I need.

1955moose · Sep 30, 2016

The spring compressors are usually free to rent at oreillys, auto zone etc. you need to leave copy of drivers license, or credit card. They refund you when you return tool.

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2004XLT · Oct 2, 2016

What type of spacers did you buy? If they're the kind that bolt on the top of the strut then you won't need a spring compressor or anything special. Just remove the strut assembly bolt the spacer on and reinstall.

AlexNorton74 · Oct 2, 2016

2004XLT said:
What type of spacers did you buy? If they're the kind that bolt on the top of the strut then you won't need a spring compressor or anything special. Just remove the strut assembly bolt the spacer on and reinstall.

Yeah they are the kind that just bolt on top of the strut. Thanks for the info. I'm gonna give it a go once time allows. I'll post up some before and after pics when I'm finished!

jontanner · Oct 2, 2016

I just went through the air ride delete process, and installed some Rancho Quick-Lift strut/coil spring assemblies.

I did not need a spring compressor tool for the 2"lift that the Rancho Quick-lift provides. However, I did need the help of another person to to put weight on the rear knuckle as to be able to get the strut in the bottom mount.

I would say that with the 3.5/2.5 lift that you have, a spring compression tool WILL be required.
Also, a tip, if you do use the spring compression tool, take notice of how little room you have to work with around the spring when it is mounted on the truck. In other words, placement of the spring tool is going to be important so that you will be able to remove the tool once the strut is back on the vehicle.

1955moose · Oct 2, 2016

That is the downside of any spring tool. Getting them out after new spring is in. The other option is get a large pry bar and pop it in that way.

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AlexNorton74 · Oct 3, 2016

Well I just got done installing the front right spacer. It was no easy task but it can be done with an extra set of hands. Didn't use any spring compressor although I feel it would've helped. Ended up unbolting the entire lower control arm from the frame and used a jack to lift the arm after the strut was reinstalled with spacer. Calling it for the night and gonna finish up tomorrow. First spacer is definitely a learning curve but once you do it it's not so bad.

1955moose · Oct 3, 2016

Good deal, their never easy.

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Spacer Lift Questions

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