How's your medical insurance? Do you have any dependents?

There are 3 common types of spring compressors out there. The internal one with the 2 rod prongs (like you describe). The internal rod with plate (Klann and Sir Tools) and the outside jaw type.

Please don't use the internal rod or outside jaw style. They can't hold the stress from these springs. Plus the internal prong type can slip. If the prongs are thick enough to hold the stress (like the ones used for a truck chassis), the thickness of the rod material will generally prevent you from fully compressing the springs.

These other compessors CAN kill you if they break or are used improperly.

Borrow a Klann or worse case a Sir Tools design.

My front end guy who does lots of trucks (Humvee too) and sports cars, will not currently touch an MB spring. He is getting a custom made 1" threaded rod (ACME thread) compressor and custom metal plate setup for MB springs. It won't cost nearly as much as a Klann, but it will not break. The Klann is faster, but this setup will be inexpensive and safe.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)