I'm getting ready to install the MaxTrac 3/5 lowering kit on my 2018 F150 and I need to get a spring compressor to swap the springs on the struts.

What spring compressor works the best or how are you getting the spring and strut apart?

I have used the Harbor Freight single action strut/spring compressor on my 16 Mustang GT. It stripped out the center bolt after getting the last strut apart, Harbor Freight took it back.
https://www.harborfreight.com/single...sor-43753.html

Also do you need the compressor to reinstall the lowing springs? I can't remember ever needing them on any of my cars to install the new lowering springs on the struts.

Thanks

 

Much safer just to take the struts to a shop with the proper strut spring compressor. Shop close to me told me 20 bucks per strut to switch out the springs if I brought them the struts out of the vehicle.

 

There is nothing unsafe about removing springs from struts doing it the right way with a spring compressor.
I much prefer to do my own work on my truck.

Herb

 

Agreed. I have used a set from Harbor Freight for almost 10 years now and never an issue. They are separate compression tools that are manual and thus require some "work" to twist down to compress but work just fine. I really should invest in a small unit with a captain's wheel that fits on a stand, but the basic ones work fine. Also helped a few friends lower theirs and replace the struts up front...

 

This is the one I bought. I love it! I have rented them before, and they bent and were hard to use. Borrowed some from my neighbor, same they bent and were hard to use. This one from Amazon was awesome. Super easy to use. Just needed a 3/8" drive ratchet and socket. Super easy and felt safe because there was NO bending or flexing. It just worked great. Now I did grease it up good because some of the reviews talked about stripping threads. Grease it up and use hand tools, no air tools, and this thing is good to go.

 

Go to Autozone and rent 2 pair of spring compressors. Use 3 of the 4 compressors. Using 2 the bolts seemed to bow a little which I considered unsafe. 3 is just right. Return them and you get all of your money back. I have done this on 2 trucks. I am about to do it on a 3rd truck.

 

I might try this. I know using just 2 on small cars before were shady.
I was planning on using the Harbor Freight one I listed and just grease it up and see if it works.

Thanks

 

 

I ended up renting the ones from Autozone. Only needed 1 set and works just fine. Just finished using one today adding the Belltech struts.

The Harbor Frieght one didn't seem to work for me.

Herb