I've never needed a spring compressor to replace the front springs in my 2WD '88. But you do need a jack that will lift the van high enough to allow clearance with the lower A arm.

Todd
'88 Westy 2wd

----- Original Message -----

From: "Neil N" <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2015 9:58:36 AM
Subject: Re: Spring Compressor

This was for stock 2wd springs, but I
didn't need a compressor tool for
getting springs out/in
when rebuilding my '81 front end.
Though I've only done spring removal a few times now,
none of those springs were under tension when required
parts were removed, arm lowered with floor jack.
Regardless, since I work alone, I put a chain between the spring
and frame when removing the spring.

On 3/27/15, Miguel Pacheco <mundopacheco@gmail.com> wrote:

> Yes, I did take note when I dismantled this 85 suspension I'm doing. It
> came apart very easily and thought, hmmmm, I might not need a compressor.
> Thing is, though, I usually work on Syncros.
>

--
Neil n

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