I have ordered a HBS 2.5" leveling kit and will be installing it in a couple of days. I have read the instructions and I am worried about the shock to lower arm connection as the torque is 351 ft-lbs (the torque wrenches I have only go to 150 ft-lbs and I don't want to buy an additional wrench for this one job). Would it be possible to use a spring compressor and compress the spring in order to slip in the leveling kit spacers tighten and then release the compressor? Has anyone tried this before? What other suspension components would have to be unbolted in order for this to work?

 

Yes you can do it the hard way...

 

Local parts store tool rental?

No need to do it the hard way.

 

Yeah you can rent a set of compressors for like $15.

 

I have done it both ways. It would be much easier if you rented the tool and did it the right way. Sometimes, depending on which brand spring compressor, there is not enough room to put the compressor on there and crank down on it.

 

There is absolutely no need to compress the spring. I have installed a couple of HBS level kits and it is a piece of cake. The first side may take a little more time but once you figure it out, the second side will take no more then 30 minutes.

 

By they way, the torque value you want is to take a breaker bar and tighten it down as hard as you can. No need to worry about getting right on 351 ft/lb.

 

Did you read what he said ???

 

I did and with the HBS kit there is no point in compressing the spring because the HBS kit requires the entire assembly to be rotated 180 degrees to put the spacer on.

 

Ok, I'll try to keep this simple for the feeble minded people like yourself. There is no need for a spring compressor to install a HBS leveling kit. Is that better for you? I thought I was crystal clear before.