TR4/4A Replacing springs

[jwolf]

1964 TR4
With the lower spring pan removed and the control arms off, do you think I will be able to replace the springs without using a spring compressor, or is this simply a necessary evil??

 

[Hamish Racing]

necessary evil i am sure

but a threaded bar and some plate metal at the bottom (the same size as the bottom shock absorber bracket) and a big washer twin lock nuts at the top. is an easy diy system

please don't be tempted to use the twin system on the outside of the spring.

our cars don't suit these and will spit them off at you with some considerable force.

 

[Ted33]

I can attest to the DIY system mentioned above. It works like a charm. One useful tip is to grease the threads so the nut turns easily on the threaded rod to compress and release the spring.

 

[Tybalt]

There is an amazing amount of energy stored up when the spring is in the compressed condition. You definitely want to use a spring compressor for the task at hand. Both Roadster and Moss offer up a spring compressor. Roadster tool number is RFT102 for TR2-4 only or the RFT104 with both bottom plates so you cover TR2-6. Moss offers two, 386-895 which is similar to the Roadster tools except that it covers TR2-6 and is priced in line with Roadster's RFT104 covering TR2-6. They also offer a reproduction of the Churchhill factory tool covering TR2-6 but its cost is close to 4X the cost of the other tools.

Take a look and you can see how the Roadster and Moss tools are set up and how you may be able to make a similar tool on your own for less.

As for those twin screw with hooks type that go outside the springs that Hamish warns about, we call those "suicide sticks" for a reason.

 

[malbaby]

Threaded rod is the way to go. Make your own with medium/fine thread not course.

 

[Sarastro]

Don't even think about doing that job without a spring compressor! You can make one easily from 1/2" fine threaded rod, a steel plate that fits where the lower end of the shock absorber was mounted, and a few nuts and large washers. Use plenty of lube, of course.

 

[Hamish Racing]

This is what you can make. Mine is taken from this design. My bottom plate is not as refined!!

and you don’t need a bent spanner.

 

[KVH]

I agree that a spring compressor is essential--the threaded rod type. But if I can add a bit to this thread: What about the spring spacers/packing piece? With the new longer coil springs from Moss (maybe 10.25"), I believe the spacer/packing piece be avoided, dispensed with? Looks like Moss is out of stock on the springs just fyi.