Trouble trying to compress pedders lifted HD springs..

essfoz

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Feb 1, 2015
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Bendigo
Car Year
1999
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Forester GT Lux
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I'm having trouble compressing some Pedders HD springs enough to fit on some SG struts.. I can't quite get them down enough to fit the tophats on. I'm using some spring compressors and no rattle gun. What are some techniques I can use to compress them enough, or am i just going to have to get some pros to do the job?
 
you need to have the compressors extended as far as possible to grab the furthest coils you can, then just keep winding them in

but personally, raised springs on standard length struts aren't ideal,
You lose droop in the suspension which is vital for traction
 
I struggled a bit with the raised king springs as well but in the end I got there. The last bit was a bit tricky as I had grabbed the tallest bit i could with the compressors and they ended up being wedged in the spring once it was un-compressed. took a few tries to get the exact right spot. I had an impact driver which made it all a lot faster!
 
I've also compressed the easy to get to middle coils,
the pulled some big cable-ties around them to hold them, remove the compressors and grab further up,
you keep tightening the ties and it holds them so you can also get the compressors out later on
 
Robbks said:
I've also compressed the easy to get to middle coils,
the pulled some big cable-ties around them to hold them, remove the compressors and grab further up,
you keep tightening the ties and it holds them so you can also get the compressors out later on
Click to expand...
Sounds bloody dangerous to me using cable ties, even for a short moment.
If you have 4 spring compressors it is easier. A rattle gun helps.
 
Yeah, might just buy some more compressors, stuff using cable ties, that's keen!
 
Robbks said:
you need to have the compressors extended as far as possible to grab the furthest coils you can, then just keep winding them in

but personally, raised springs on standard length struts aren't ideal,
You lose droop in the suspension which is vital for traction
Click to expand...

The loss of droop is a valid concern, but is only really relevant for the front struts if you travel laden like I do. With a full load in the back, the rear raised springs compress to around normal ride height for factory springs, giving me good droop and compression travel. But, the front raised springs definitely compromise droop - I think a good setup would be 1" spacers all round with standard height front and raised rear Kings. This is with my SG though.

In saying this though, even with raised springs in the front I've found the lack of droop is only an issue when performing steep rutted climbs - I've had terminal diagonal wheelspin from this several times now.
 
I DIYed the rears but took the fronts to a shop because my compressors were slipping.
Cost me $40 for the fronts which I was more than happy to pay.
 
couple of 750kg ratchet straps either side of the spring to get that little bit more. Compressing springs is a little dangerous just keep your head out of the way.
 
kiwifoz said:
I think a good setup would be 1" spacers all round with standard height front and raised rear Kings. This is with my SG though.
Click to expand...

I'm doing the HD, standard height Kings and 1" spacers in my SH.
 
I had read about the lifted springs compromising droop. I had planned to use these springs on SG struts, + a 1" lift kit down the track. Should I reconsider the lifted springs?
 
How much offroading do you do? They will only really compromise articulation, which you could most likely just get back by disconnecting the sway bars for offroad.
 
I have raised springs plus my custom 2" body lift kit. Sure, you lift the front wheels a bit on ruts but you just have to pick a better line. Onroad handling is awesome & as I drive it onroad 99% of the time, that is important.

It sounds like you are using the twin finger coil compressors. You need single finger ones for Subie springs. I recently put in raised springs in SG struts no probs.

Warning: there is a LOT of built up pressure in compressed springs. I've seen dislocated and broken fingers! Be careful and dont use any backyarder techniques (no offence to any of the suggestions).Do it properly & you won't have any issues :iconwink:
 
I got up to the Victorian High Country in around the Murray River.. Nothing too serious but I'm on a mission to get up in the snow this winter.

I'm working on a quick disconnect for the front and rear sway bars for off road. From what I was looking at on this forum I decided a suspension lift and 1" strut lift was a better option than a 2" lift.. From what I read the 2" lift lead to cv boots being worn much faster.

You are right, I am using the compressors with the 2 fingers. I'm thinking I might just pay the money and get a shop to do it. I've got a friend who may be able to do it for mates rates so I'll have a chat with him.
 
I did some of Vic highcountry with my lift(about 1" lifted springs and 1/2" spacers) and didn't run into really any issues with articulation. The thin wheeltrack of the suby allows you to avoid the ruts.
 
My heavy duty SubaXtreme front sway bar broke some 150000 kms ago and I have not had one since during which time I have been to Cape York and across the Simpson.
Handling does not seem to have been adversely affected even with a 40 mm lift on each corner.
Having said that I try not to fang it into corners too much as there is sure to be a good reason why they are there.
 
You could do a lot worse than taking it to Damian at Suspension City in North Melbourne. Buggered if I know how he gets by charging so little for jobs.
 
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