Blk03GS430

I recently bought Tanabe NF210 springs and brand new oem struts for my GS430. I ran into a problem while installing the front springs on the front struts. I used the following spring compressor tool that I borrow from autozone:

I noticed I wasnt able to compress the Tanabe springs that much with the spring compressors even though I was using air tools to tighten the spring compressors. I ending up going to the local auto repair shop to have them use the wall mounted spring compressor to compress it and mount it onto the strut but at $50 for both fronts. The guy at the shop even had a hard time getting the front springs on with the wall mount spring compressor.

I ran out of time and was not able to install the rear struts and springs. I need to install the rear struts and springs within the next 1-2weeks. Do you guys know if the rears springs are easier to compress and install onto the rear struts compare to the front springs? Will the spring compressor tool be sufficient even for the rear springs? Am I having this problem because I using aftermarket springs or are the oem springs equally as difficult? Any info you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time and help.

KC

Agent0024

iTrader: (4)

The rears are about as hard to compress as the fronts. I did mine with a cheapo $10 compressor from Harborfreight and did not have any problems. It took some heavy wrenching to compress the springs but it was doable.

Edit: If you're having trouble wrenching the spring compressor then spray some WD40 on to the threads of the compressor and it will make your life a lot easier.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

The rears are suppose to be easier because the springs are longer. With the front, you end up having a tight fit with the compressor due to the shorte spring length, and the bowed end where it mounts to the shock's perch.