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