Shops refusing to disassemble magneride strut

[JPS0284]

So I just received my OEM replacement mag struts and new 1” drop springs and removed the defective struts. Now I’m having a hard time finding a shop that will disassemble the old struts to transfer the bellows bump stop and mount onto the new strut and compress the new spring… I called a Lentz and got a really hard no, this
Alignment shop that does some strut work didn’t want anything to do with the magneride struts and started acting like I was asking him to disassembled a nuclear reactor…just wondering has anyone had any luck finding a mainstream shop to do this type of work?

 

[Doubeleive]

So I just received my OEM replacement mag struts and new 1” drop springs and removed the defective struts. Now I’m having a hard time finding a shop that will disassemble the old struts to transfer the bellows bump stop and mount onto the new strut and compress the new spring… I called a Lentz and got a really hard no, this
Alignment shop that does some strut work didn’t want anything to do with the magneride struts and started acting like I was asking him to disassembled a nuclear reactor…just wondering has anyone had any luck finding a mainstream shop to do this type of work?

Either just call around to find a shop with a shock compressor or rent one and diy.

 

[JPS0284]

Either just call around to find a shop with a shock compressor or rent one and diy.

Will do, I’m just a little anxious to get this back together before the weekend. Luckily I have the company truck till the end of the week…

 

[mb1500]

MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set

Amazing deals on this Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

If you’ve already removed the strut assy the rest is easier than trying to explain to random shops what you need done.

 

[JPS0284]

MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set

Amazing deals on this Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

If you’ve already removed the strut assy the rest is easier than trying to explain to random shops what you need done.

I found a venvor floor standing spring compressor on market place for 60$ but it’s got some really dicey reviews using it with trucks springs…

 

[gooffeyguy]

Definitely don't use those Harbor Freight ones linked above. They aren't heavy duty enough for truck springs.

When I did mine, I put the strut in my bench vise and used a spring compressor kit like this from Amazon

BILITOOLS 2-Piece Coil Spring Compressor Tool Heavy Duty Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Set with Safety Jaws and Holder, Max Load.2645LB https://a.co/d/81a7xqC

 

[Doubeleive]

Ya the good stand spring compressor run about $2k, I don't think I would trust a harbor freight tool lol

 

[JPS0284]

Thanks for the feedback guys I appreciate it. That bench top one seems to me the least dangerous of them all lol

 

[RichardCranium]

Definitely don't use those Harbor Freight ones linked above. They aren't heavy duty enough for truck springs.

When I did mine, I put the strut in my bench vise and used a spring compressor kit like this from Amazon

BILITOOLS 2-Piece Coil Spring Compressor Tool Heavy Duty Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Set with Safety Jaws and Holder, Max Load.2645LB https://a.co/d/81a7xqC

View attachment 415803

My god, I got PTSD looking at that setup. And I even can vouch I used a similar setup in my days as a BMW tech, but that style is a literal YOLO.....gigantic shrapnel grenade.

 

[gooffeyguy]

My god, I got PTSD looking at that setup. And I even can vouch I used a similar setup in my days as a BMW tech, but that style is a literal YOLO.....gigantic shrapnel grenade.

Which setup is that?

Those thin Harbor Freight one's will bend and those little pins that are supposed to hold the spring in the hook only fit smaller diameter springs.

The one I used is much more beefier and has a safety ring that connects to both sides and keeps them from rotating on the spring and spreading apart. The hooks that go around the spring also clamp down onto it using a lock ring.

I took precaution when using it, but everything went fine and nothing appeared to bend, stretch, loosen, and all felt pretty solid.

For the occasional use (like once every 100k miles) I'm comfortable with, but if I needed it for shop use I'd want either a Wall mounted or floor mounted unit.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Is there a performance shop in your area? That would be the best bet, IMO, for finding a shop with the correct spring compressors and the willingness to perform the job.

 

[mb1500]

Used the HF compressor for truck springs and lived to tell about it

 

[Tonyv__]

I found a venvor floor standing spring compressor on market place for 60$ but it’s got some really dicey reviews using it with trucks springs…

I have that compressor. Can confirm that it’s a total POS for truck springs.



Edit added picture. It looks heavy duty but The whole thing was twisting. The dewalt wood clamps did a better job…..

 

[petethepug]

The better bet is looking for a “machine shop” Those guys get it and not afraid of compressing a spring.

Don’t forget the spring seats at the bottom of the new struts. A lot of trucks seem to have them missing.

 

[JPS0284]

Found a place that services suspensions on big commercial trucks and buses willing to swap everything over and compress the springs! After reinstalling the new strut assembly’s I also ended up replacing both rear shocks with OEM GM air shocks and a discounted used-like new Amazon return dorman compressor. The 1” drop springs didn’t seem to cause any issues with the ride height sensors after slightly shortening the connecting rods. The compressor kicked on for the first time since owning the truck and we’re up to 26 psi! I took it for a hot lap around the block, what a night and day difference in ride quality. It seems stiff compared to riding on just the springs for the last few weeks. It’s been an expensive week but definitely worth it.

 

[JPS0284]

I have that compressor. Can confirm that it’s a total POS for truck springs.



Edit added picture. It looks heavy duty but The whole thing was twisting. The dewalt wood clamps did a better job…..

View attachment 415842View attachment 415843

lol wow. It’s kind of entertaining reading all the different spring compressor reviews on Amazon lol. I ended up finding a suspension shop that caters to big rig and larger commercial trucks to do it for 120$ but I also ordered the compressor goofyguy recommended just in case if they called back with bad news. Luckily I was able to cancel the order before they shipped it out. I’m glad that’s over with…

 

[JPS0284]

My god, I got PTSD looking at that setup. And I even can vouch I used a similar setup in my days as a BMW tech, but that style is a literal YOLO.....gigantic shrapnel grenade.

Is there a performance shop in your area? That would be the best bet, IMO, for finding a shop with the correct spring compressors and the willingness to perform the job.

That was one of the first places I called and they referred me to the the shop who didn’t want anything to do with the mag
Struts, the guy was real freaked out about the idea and recommended that I return them for a Arnot z95 delete. I found a commercial suspension shop who did the swap in a couple hours for 120$

 

[petethepug]

I love the brothers at the heavy line and diesel shops. They love working on our 1/2 ton trucks because they’re a breeze compared to what they normally wrench on.

 

[Doubeleive]

lol wow. It’s kind of entertaining reading all the different spring compressor reviews on Amazon lol. I ended up finding a suspension shop that caters to big rig and larger commercial trucks to do it for 120$ but I also ordered the compressor goofyguy recommended just in case if they called back with bad news. Luckily I was able to cancel the order before they shipped it out. I’m glad that’s over with…

that's about the going rate last time i had mine done it was $50 each
and 26 psi is a good static psi with no load on the vehicle.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Found a place that services suspensions on big commercial trucks and buses willing to swap everything over and compress the springs! After reinstalling the new strut assembly’s I also ended up replacing both rear shocks with OEM GM air shocks and a discounted used-like new Amazon return dorman compressor. The 1” drop springs didn’t seem to cause any issues with the ride height sensors after slightly shortening the connecting rods. The compressor kicked on for the first time since owning the truck and we’re up to 26 psi! I took it for a hot lap around the block, what a night and day difference in ride quality. It seems stiff compared to riding on just the springs for the last few weeks. It’s been an expensive week but definitely worth it.

Super happy that you looked for and found a shop that would easily handle your needs. Now, you will be able to experience the ride improvement that an active suspension delivers. If you want to complete the suspension and handling upgrade experience, purchase and install a set of Hellwig sway bars.