OTC 7045B Front Coil Spring Compressor
Score By Feature
OveReview Final Score
Product Description
Questions & Answers
The list of components 'Application:' it says in the instructions that came with it. GM, Ford, or Chrysler are the three companies that you can choose from. 'Dodge, I believe, fits the bill.' Two sets of support plates are included, one large and the other small. a single small Coil springs with an inside diameter of 4 inches will fit in the large. Coil springs with an inside diameter of three inches will fit in the small. 5 inches. This tool should be inserted into the lower control arm from beneath the shock hole. On my 2003 Chevy Express 3500, it performed admirably. Make sure the threads are lubricated with oil, that the two support plates are as far apart as possible, and that you use a floor jack to compress the spring as much as possible before using the spring compressor by jacking up the lower control arm. I felt safe while using this tool; however, go slowly and tie the spring to the frame to avoid an accident. Just in case something got loose, I used a short length of 3/8 chain with a shackle. Wear gloves and eye protection as well.
I've never done a grand marquis, but I can tell you that there are two sets, one of which is quite large. I hope this information is helpful; please contact me if you have any additional questions.
This tool will work on any vehicle that does not have coil overs or struts in the front and has front coil springs.
I had three small springs. Inside there are five people. and the tool produced results, despite the fact that it does not appear to be any smaller than 3. 5 isn't going to cut it. (maybe 3. 375? However, that is it.)
Selected User Reviews For OTC 7045B Front Coil Spring Compressor
Since no single manufacturer specifies what any of the spring compressors are rated for, it's difficult to know what they're capable of. I had to go through a lot of trial and error and read a lot of reviews before finding one that said it worked for my application. This one will work for a 1 ton truck with coil springs and independent front suspension! With this 200-dollar tool, there were a few glitches. The double d shaped hole in the ball socket that goes on the shaft first is extremely tight. It's likely that you'll need to file this hole so it can slide up the shaft. That one is of poor quality. After previous attempts with weaker tools, it was terrifying, but this one compressed the larger-than-normal spring, allowing it to be removed and installed. It only worked by a hair's breadth, but it worked.
If you're replacing a suspension coil spring on an older Lincoln Town Car, Crown Victoria, or Grand Marquis, you'll need this tool because you'll need to compress the springs as much as possible. If you don't compress it completely, you'll be fighting it with a crowbar for hours trying to get it to fit on the frame. It was the most difficult job I've ever done on a car, and there's no way I could have completed it without a spring compressor. Believe me, I tried two other types before deciding to bite the bullet and purchase the correct tool. It's a lot of money for something you'll only use once every five years or so. 10 years. Ensure that the compressor's threads are well lubricated before using it. One of the annoyances is that you can't tighten the compressor's nut with a standard socket and ratchet. Either an adjustable or a standard wrench must be used. It's inconvenient, but it's not a major issue because most of it can be fixed with a simple hand tightening. It is the most secure method of removing the spring.
I had to remove the coil springs from my 1969 Mustang because I was replacing every front suspension component. I purchased two coil spring compressors from Amazon, one with a hook and the other without. Because of the coil spring's design, I was able to lower the bottom hooks into it, but there was no way to insert the upper hooks. As a result, I returned them both because they were useless. I had to get the OTC spring compressor because I had broken down. Yes, it is costly, but it is effective. Because of the enclosed thrust bearing, the compression process is very smooth. I was always very pleased with the quality and performance of OTC tools when I bought them decades ago, even though they were expensive. There is nothing to complain about in terms of quality!.
I didn't realize there was a spring compressor and instead purchased a claw-style compressor. Well, three weeks after my fingers healed, I purchased the OTC 7045B and in under an hour, I removed and installed both front springs on my 1966 Mustang (minus the shocks and shock tower cover). The bearings make tightening the compressor so simple that I was almost able to do it by hand, and the plates eliminate all of the sliding that I was experiencing with the claw type. I didn't have the same fear of one of the claws coming loose from the spring as I did with the claw style. A 1 1/4 wrench is all you'll need to adjust the nut on top, aside from this tool. Because this isn't a common size wrench in most toolboxes, I thought I'd mention it here. I understand that it is more expensive than the claw style and others, but I intend to play with my car for many years to come, and I may need to remove the springs again. I'm confident that the fear, stress, and time saved by using this compressor far outweigh the claw-style savings.
But it was worth it for the peace of mind! I must admit that paying the price for this tool was difficult for me. However, once it arrived and I saw the tool's design and strength in person, I realized there was probably no better option on the market. I can't imagine using any other tool now, given the amount of pressure the spring is under when compressed. This isn't the type of job to entrust to low-cost Chinese Harbor Freight tools! Finally, we replaced all four coils on two cars, and everything worked perfectly. It's relatively simple to maneuver the coil into place, and I felt at ease handling the springs while compressing and unloading the tension outside the vehicle. When the coil is heavily compressed, turning the center nut requires some arm strength. It was, however, easily handled. br>br>There's a reason this tool is listed in the Ford service manuals I have for my car by part number. I can see why dealers would advise against anything less for their mechanics' safety. br>br>At the end of the day, you'll have a high-quality tool that you'll probably use again while still saving money over the dealer. Years ago, when I was fixing up old cars and a truck, I wish I'd had this.
I've been debating whether or not to spend a little more money on a tool that gets very little use for quite some time. But safety is my top priority, especially when it comes to replacing the coil springs on my 58 Impala. The spring supports a large block, so you know it's a heavy-duty compressor, and after looking at some of the other compressors, I have to say, it's pretty frightening. They'll probably do the job, but I had one internal compressor slip just a smidgeon before, and it gave me the creeps. I was a little hesitant at first with this one, but after doing a lot of research, reading a lot of reviews, and pulling my hair out because it's so expensive, I'm glad I bought it. It's incredible how much anyone can achieve when a tool works properly. Thank you very much!.
Related Products For OTC 7045B Front Coil Spring Compressor
