Originally Posted by fdanielson

I just finished this same job last weekend and found out two things that really helped.

One is the spring compressor- the best is the official tool as mentioned earlier in the thread but if you don't have the cash to buy one or want to get the job done before you can arrange a rental I found that just about every other spring compressor available either won't fit or is very dangerous. In the end I used a Lisle spring compressor that actually bolts onto the srping instead of using hooks.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1199
The description uses the words 'super safe' which made me feel better and I have always had good experience with Lisle. You can order these online for around $55 or I bought one locally from Parts Depot for just over $60 but got it that day. This compressor will compress the spring enough for you to replace the bushing with the control arm on the car but is not suitable if you want to remove and replace the spring itself. Just be sure to keep a jack or stand under the control arm while doing this for extra insurance.

The other trick was in flaring the sleeve in the replacement bushing. When you put the new bushings in they are held in place by an aluminum sleeve that has to be flared on the end. The manual shows a special tool and there have been other posts by people using various devices. I had great success using lug nuts from my truck. A lug nut is hollow in the middle and has a cone on one side so I took a long 3/8" bolt with the appropriate stacks of washers and stuck it through the middle of the bushing, slid the lg not on, more washers and spacers as needed, and a 3/8" nut to tighten it down. Tightening the whole assembly caused the lug nut's cone to flare the end of the sleeve perfectly.