Replace springs using just spring compressors?

[00 Trans Ram]

So, I have quite a bit of experience with car suspensions from my years road racing. Looking at putting a mild 2.5" lift on my JLUD (no rocks here in southern Louisiana!). When looking at the install instructions for all the "springs" lift kits, they always disconnect 8 million suspension components. Just wondering if I used my spring compressors (the kinds that have 2 threaded rods with arms and attach to the outside of the spring), could I remove my old springs and install the new ones without disconnecting all the other stuff (brake line connectors, control arms, etc.)?

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[rustyshakelford]

I can’t say never but at this point I’ve yet to use a spring compressor. They are bad news. Worst case drop the track bar. Besides that it’s shocks and sway bar end links.

brett

 

[jlewissystem]

You can. I’ve done both ways and it’s honestly easier to just disconnect stuff.

 

[The Fixer]

So, I have quite a bit of experience with car suspensions from my years road racing. Looking at putting a mild 2.5" lift on my JLUD (no rocks here in southern Louisiana!). When looking at the install instructions for all the "springs" lift kits, they always disconnect 8 million suspension components. Just wondering if I used my spring compressors (the kinds that have 2 threaded rods with arms and attach to the outside of the spring), could I remove my old springs and install the new ones without disconnecting all the other stuff (brake line connectors, control arms, etc.)?

You could, but finding the right angle and location to get a ratchet in to compress/decompress the spring will probably take longer than unbolting the swaybar links and shock ends. And depending on the lift kit you buy, you'll be replacing some of the things you have to loosen anyway (shocks, LCAs, swaybar links). The stock caster angle on a Rubicon is already relatively low; adding another 2.5" of height without changing the LCAs will definitely make it want to wander. The Jeep suspension is one of the easiest I've had the pleasure of wrenching on (nice and new vs. old and rusty!). My son and I swapped Rubicon springs and shocks into my Sport in about 4 hours start to finish and I'm just a driveway DIYer with jackstands and hand tools, no compressor or lift.

 

[00 Trans Ram]

Well, good to know. Thanks everyone!

 

[mwilk012]

You will need to replace those parts you disconnect anyway. If you were doing a 1:1 swap of stock springs it’s one thing, but with a lift you’d put everything in a bind and pull on brake lines if you aren’t relocating them.

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