Coil spring compressors... using ZIP TIES!!!
Well I'm sure you guys are shaking yours heads with a laugh right now!!!!!
But yes!
Firstly they must be decent quality and a minimum of 8mm wide.
I Just got a bag off 100 from Bunnings.
I suggest on XJ's, just cut the damn passenger side spring with a grinder into 3 pieces.
Front drive shaft seems to limit clearance a bit compared to drivers side, which can sometimes just ripped out.
Ok so the ZIP TIES....
Yeah, use the standard coil spring compressors.
But clamp up about 60% of the length of the coil.
Much easier as it doesn't want to bulge etc.
Compress it standard way.
Now start zipping up.... starting at the bottom.
Use 2 side by side, about 12mm apart, and only looping 2 spirals at a time, then do apposite side.
On the next coil, put the next zip tie between the "12mm" air gap you left on lower run.
Keep the ratchet part of the zips towards the top edge off spring.
Repeat in the zig zag affect.
Pull all the tension out of them you can.
Don't cut the tails until you are confident it is compressed enough.
Flip the compressors around and repeat.
Even measure from coil the base seat up to top for a ball park compression needed.
When undoing the compressors, do it gently at first..... Don't shock load the zips.
This process is more tedious at first....
But a hell of a lot easier to fit into place without the spring compressors in the way!!!
Cut the zips off the top and bottom firstly, so they don't bet jammed in their, then simply cut from top to bottom.
Not for everyone maybe.....
But installation is woohoo much easier!
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