Well, I don't know if I buy the story about knocking the car off the lift, BUT, the typical stud/hook spring compressors (both internal and external) simply do not work with 116/123/126 springs. The springs are quite long and soft, as springs go, so they need to be compressed close to three inches to install them. I have the standard compressors and when you get the spring compressed about two thirds of what is necessary, the compressor slips. Fortunately, the safety devices on most compressors prevent serious damage, but that just means you are less likely to get hurt. It doesn't help to get the spring installed. Buy the SIR or HAZET tool. It works so slick it is well worth the price.