What shock/strut tool should I buy?

[lemming303]

I need a set that I can use on my Altima as well as my Challenger and my pickup and my family's vehicles. I'm looking at this set from Snap On since it's not too expensive. Does it have what I need to do most vehicles? I don't want to spend too much money and I saw some sets that were 800 dollars or more. Thanks yall.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=80246&group_ID=1634&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

[72cudamaan]

Looks like a good set for a e body but not so nice for doing struts. A wall mounted set up for struts is best, but you would have to spend the bucks for that.

[quagmire]

Do not buy the clamshell styles, and whatever tool you do settle on make sure it has locking pins!  Those keep the spring from uncoiling dangerously if the tools slips.  Most auto parts stores loan those out for a refundable deposit, the ones that I've used from Auto Zone worked perfect for my car (which has very short, stiff springs).  That style has the pins, and there are at least a dozen brands reselling that same tool for different prices.  Harbor Freight sells that exact same tool too, I compared it to an OTC one that cost 4x more money and it was identical!

[lemming303]

Does anyone have any pics of what I need to look for? I really don't know anything about these tools and I need to get a set so I can change the struts on my Altima. I figure for the price it would cost to pay someone to do the work I can change the shocks and struts myself and have the tools for later projects.

[quagmire]

Seriously, just rent a set.  It's free.  The loaner ones work fine on most cars, and they have the locking pins.  Some cars may need a different set up, and you won't know if it fits till the car is apart and it's too late to return the tool.  At least if the rental doesn't fit you don't lose any money, just your time.  Unless you plan on changing struts quite often they'll just collect dust.  Here is an example of the kind I prefer :

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947057000P?vName=Tools&cName=Auto&MechanicsTools&sName=Auto%20Specialty%20Tools&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

[lemming303]

OK thanks dude. Thing is I've got a few cars I will be working on in the very near future, such as my altima, my bro in laws nova, my brothers pickup and my bro in laws pickup and mine too, and my challenger and my moms gran torino. Not to mention if a friend needs to borrow them I can let him use them too. It's not really a bad investment I don't think. That set I posted a link to has two different types of compressors for different struts and shock. Besides, you still have to pay a deposit on whatever tool you rent, and it's like 100 dollars anyways. I know you get it back but still. I would seriously rather just buy a set to have for future use.

[ksierens]

You shouldn't need it for your challenger.

[quagmire]

The only one of those vehicles that has struts is the Altima.......

[quagmire]

I probably didn't make it to clear in that last post but you do not need or use those tools on vehicles with shocks.  99.9% of vehicles with shocks require no special tools to change out, you don't mess with the springs at all.  And you won't need to realign it, unlike struts.  Struts are actually an integral part of the suspension, they support the vehicle's weight. 

[lemming303]

I thought a strut was like a shock with a coil over it......

[quagmire]

Kinda sorta.... Shocks do not support the weight of the vehicle at all where struts do.  Front struts are also a part of the steering systems since they pivot.  Either way, you do not use a strut compressor to install shocks since the spring is mounted independent of it.  You only need basic hand tools.  Simply bolt and unbolt them.

[lemming303]

OK that makes sense. I learn something on this site every day.