---
title: Do I Need a Spring Compressor When Installing Bilstein Shocks or Struts?
description: You’ll need a spring compressor when reusing factory coil springs with Bilstein struts, but not when installing shocks or fully assembled coilover modules.
---
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# Do I Need a Spring Compressor When Installing Bilstein Shocks or Struts?
## You’ll need a spring compressor when reusing factory coil springs with Bilstein struts, but not when installing shocks or fully assembled coilover modules.
**When a Spring Compressor *Is* Required**
A spring compressor is typically necessary when the coil spring must be transferred or reinstalled. This applies to:
- Bilstein B6 and B8 struts on MacPherson-style front suspensions
- Any shock or strut that reuses the factory coil spring
- Installations where the OEM upper strut mount is reused
- Ride height adjustable struts when making adjustments
- Bilstein B8 6112 or B12 kits
**When a Spring Compressor *Is Not* Required**
A spring compressor is not needed if:
- Installing shocks only (no coil spring involved), such as rear shocks on many trucks and SUVs
- Installing fully assembled coilover modules, like Bilstein B8 8112s, which come preloaded with springs
- Working on applications that use torsion bars or leaf springs instead of coil springs
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