Spring Compressors?

[rutthenut]

Recall having difficulties years ago when changing front springs (on Manta with normal spring compressors.

The Haynes manual shows a different type, compressing the spring against the lower wishbone.

What do people on here use or recommend, is that type of compressor available?

[rutthenut]

Should've mentioned, I just have a basic pair with hooks on screwed shafts. I see newer versions available with safety clamps and other features that look a bit betterm though not sure they are usable on springs between the front wishbones.

Wonder if this item would do the job somehow?

http://www.sealey.co.uk/PLPageBuilder.asp?gotonode=ViewProduct&method=mViewProduct&productid=5199&productdescription=spring%20compressor&productcode=&category=6&catgroup=331&catmicrogroup=&analysiscode=&requiredresults=16&grouplevelonly=&fulltext=

[rutthenut]

Had tried searching the forum but found nothing relevant. Using Google to search elsewhere gave me this link :-o

http://forums.mantaclub.org/topic/29935-what-are-the-best-spring-compressors-to-use/

That advice still recommended, just undo lower bottom ball joint and remove springs without compressing them (and install them that way too)?

[spiney_norman]

Be careful, if they're standard springs that are coming out they're under a lot of tension. Stick a jack under the lower arm and let it down gently once the ball joint's popped off.

[rutthenut]

Not doing any spring swaps yet, but expect to sooner or later. Just thinking ahead.

The rears are definitely lowered and of course easy to change. Fronts don't feel to stiff but may be uprated over standard.

[Robert1234]

For the fronts I used a rather basic set from halfords.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_203375_langId_-1_categoryId_255216