I recently read JJDubya's stripped knuckle thread and thought I'd share some knowledge for the DIYers out there.

Note: I searched around to see if anyone has mentioned this before but I couldn't find any threads.

I was able to strap a couple spring compressors to the OEM springs (see picture) and maneuver them out of the wheel well without turning a single suspension bolt. I jacked both sides up, rested it on jack stands, removed both wheels, then from there it was simply a matter of torquing down the compressors until the springs were freed. From there I removed the compressors, attached them to the H&R springs in the same orientation as they were on the OEM springs (to ensure the compressors would fit into the same place) and then backed off the compressors being careful to ensure the springs seated properly at both the top and bottom.

My only apprehension with this method was that by torquing the springs down you could possibly be compressing them beyond the material's yield strength, but I know that springs are fully compressed several times during the manufacturing and quality control process to verify the proper spring rate so this wouldn't (and logically shouldn't) occur. Paired with the fact that they'd only be compressed for a short period of time and my worries were assuaged.

With this method there's no need to lower the subframe which could lead to serious alignment issues (if not replaced properly), no need to wrestle with highly torqued bolts, and quicker.

Obviously larger more bulky type compressors wouldn't work, but these were fine and cost me about $30.

Thought I'd share for the sake of others about to tackle this mod.