I built my own spring compressor out of 3/4 " threaded steel rod, 18
inches is just barely long enough for stock weight springs (but ok for
shorter "heavy duty" performance springs). Next time I'd make it 20 or
21 inches long. I used a nyloc nut on one end, and made a plate for use
on the bottom out of 1/4 steel plate, cut to fit around the lower shock
mounting bolts. A couple large washers and a standard nut on the top
complete the assembly. Standard nut can also be put on the bottom, nyloc
on top. You will also need two extra long 3/8 or 5/16 bolts, a hand full
of washers and/or spacers to guide the spring pan down from and back up
onto the lower wishbones. Total cost less than $5, but I already had the
threaded rod and steel plate around left over from something else, so
add another $5 or $10.
Works great!
Removal: Remove the shock. Put compressor in place of shock and snug it
down. One at a time, remove the outer wishbone/spring pan bolts and
replace with longer ones with washers/spacers. Swapping back and forth
between the compressor and the bolts, loosen the spring pan gradually,
keeping it roughly level (thus, the two long bolts) until fully loose.
It's about two inches of total travel, I'd guess.
Reinstallation is the reverse of removal. (plagiarized the factory
manual on that one! ;-)
Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif.
'62 TR4 CT17602L
P.S. Do not use the external type spring compressors for this job!
Pete Ryner wrote:
>
> Definitely go for the purchased compressor. I rented a threaded rod type
>with the hook ends once - it slipped and flew across the room. Actually
>cracked a block in the wall. Luckily I kept the spring horizontal and away
>from my body!! Just not worth the chance with home made jobs.
> Pete
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael Noerregaard [SMTP:m_noerregaard@hotmail.com]
> Sent: Monday, May 10, 1999 6:44 AM
> To: triumphs@autox.team.net
> Cc: skip@mojam.com
> Subject: Re: Subject: spring compressor dimensions?
>
> Skip wrote:
> >I'm a cheapskate, so I'm considering making my own spring compressor to
> >disassemble the front suspension on my TR250. I can get the appropriate
> >supplies at the local big box home center, but I'm unsure of the necessary
> >dimensions. What diameter threaded rod should I use? How long does it
> >need to be? What about the thickness of the flat plate at one end or the
> >other?
>
> Skip,
>
> I would go for the extra buck and actually buy a real set of spring
> compressors. Personally, I have done it with steel wire - not recommended!!!
> Didn't really have the time to go out and buy a set (or more likely being
> young and foolish - still am for that matter) - so I thought, what the heck.
> It was VERY exciting (=scary) to try and decompress the spring afterwards,
> by slowly clipping into different places on the steel wire.... No injuries
> - not even close - but a lesson learned.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Michael
> '71 TR6 PI - in pieces - down to the bare frame
> '74 TR6 - undergoing restauration
--
MZ
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