Swapping shocks will these be ok?

[Steve_B]

Need to get me some spring compressors to swap the front shocks and saw these on amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-68615-Coil-Comessors-2/dp/B0001KA0JU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=diy&qid=1234811072&sr=8-3

It says they will open up to 220mm, will this be enough?

Cheers
Steve

[Benrevs]

Tbh i have never used compressors..   If you are swapping standard for standard then you will be fine with just a bit of caution.

[sidecarphil]

yep they'll work

be carefull not using them when undoing the spring top i got a nice scar on my chin after not using them once

mind you it was a renault leguna spring and they are about 4 miles long !!!!

[Steve_B]

Cheers for the replies So I fit the compressors before undoing the top mounts?
Have been reading the haynes, is it worth getting new nuts for the strut bolts?

[rodz22]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TWO-Heavy-Duty-COIL-SPRING-COMPRESSORS-for-22mm-Socket_W0QQitemZ230307930216QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Hand_Tools_Equipment?hash=item230307930216&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1700%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

these seem just as good and cheaper
little tip 

dont allways believe what the haynes manual tells you

when you replace the strut bolts just put a dab of threadlock on the bolt 

[Steve_B]

got free delivery from amazon so they work out the same.
cheers for the tip about threadlock rodz 

[Steve_B]

After a LOT of running around getting tools together (that's what you get for lending them to friends), managed to change one of the shocks today. Not the most impressive result but it is my first time, the other one should be quicker tomorrow.
In case anyone is interested, I managed to get the nut for the top cap off using the following household objects:

7mm allen key
13/16 spark plug socket
mole grips
the lever from my trolley jack



Probably not news to some of you but I was impressed that it worked!