I'm going to break with the pack here and say it depends on yr application. I used an advance auto spring compressor on my front coils to compress the spring enough to replace the A-arms after getting new lower ball joints pressed in. Complete compression wasn't required. Also, I bought two lengths of chain and and boltable chain link as an extra safety consideration. I wish I could've rented the correct tool, but didn't have the $200 deposit at the time.

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1985 300D Gretchen (Astral Silver) 220k
1983 240D 4-speed Evelyn (Orient Red) 203k


TANSTAAFL