Front end suspension kit?

I used all-thread, small u-bolts and part of a car strut compressor kit and I was in fear for my life the whole time

OP..I would either buy them assembled or take them to a suspension shop. It's not a fun job.

 

Have you checked to see if all 4 bolts are intact? This is a very well known issue, and your model year is impacted.

 

2nd link in my reply above, #12 reply. Search that page for "crossmember" and it'll take you to the info you need to know. the 2nd and 3rd instance of that word on the page discusses the problem.

 

I bought the Eastwood Spring Compressor. I also have the cheap compressor shown above but the Eastwood compressor is beefy and heavy af. Haven't used it yet.

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-macpherson-strut-and-coil-spring-compressor.html

 

Broes, I’ve lifted 7 or so Toyota’s and have never used a spring compressor once or paid a shop.

There are tons of videos online on how to do it using a floor jack. It is slow and controlled, and you aren’t using a chinesium spring compressor from AutoZone.

OP, it’s awesome you found this forum before buying parts. Spend some time reading threads. As mentioned, everyone here will tell you always stick to OEM chassis parts period. Most dealers offer a 25-30% off on parts ordered online and picked up in store.

 

As with everything on scAmazon, there's an off-brand version of the same kit Eastwood is selling for half the price:

$102 8MILELAKE Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Kit Interchangeable Fork Coil Extractor Tool Set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DP2CDJU/

Shocking, I know. And I wouldn't be surprised if you could find one even cheaper, $80, maybe 90.

Edit....

Same kit for $113:

$88 KUNTEC Compressor Tool Macpherson Interchangeable Fork Strut Coil Extractor Tool Set with Safety Guard

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GQZPMD1/

Same kit for $109:

$103 VEVOR Strut Spring Compressor Set, Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Kit, Interchangeable Fork Strut Coil Extractor Remover Tool, with Yellow Protective Sleeve and Carrying Case

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH33XWXW/

My main concern with this kit would be the silvery part, specifically the amount of stress that would be on this J-shaped ear, I'd be worried about potential fracture/shear where the arrow is pointing. I don't see people reporting it in the reviews on any of these, but knowing these are mass-made in PRC with probably little/no QA/QC ... and no legal liability from the scAmazon shop selling them, you're screwed if anything bad happens.

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I'm with @Diablo169 . Once I learned the no spring compressor method, I've used it a couple times and it is way safer. Or, I've also had a shop do it and charge $20 bucks for both font coilovers.
Search for the "no compressor method" and it's safer and free. You're going to be disassembling the front end anyway.

 

I have this same kit and use it on the RZR and Rock Buggy, but compressing a 700lb spring with one is kinda terrifying

Adjusted the RZR spring earlier this week actually.

 

It's probably nice not having mud covering every inch of that thing every time you use it, then washing it only to have dirt hit you in the face while you work on it.