Do i need a spring compressor to remove e30 m3 stock front springs?

[CMG]

Wait so if I stick with stock springs, I'll definitely need a compressor?

Taking springs off is one thing, I've done it without compressing them and also using cheap compressors. Just make sure you do it in an open area and protect yourself cuz you never really know how much tension they will have once the nut comes off.
To put the springs back on you definitely need a compressor, that is not something you can DIY with cheap harbor freight spring clamps.

[elbrack]

to get them back in, yes.

Welp sounds like I'm probably gonna end up lowering the car a little bit then. :|

[nando]

to get them back in, yes.

[elbrack]

Some folks like the comfort of the E30 M3 springs.... Not I they are too soft.

Wait so if I stick with stock springs, I'll definitely need a compressor?

[M-technik-3]

Some folks like the comfort of the E30 M3 springs.... Not I they are too soft.

[nando]

who puts stock springs back in these days? Usually the new springs are so much shorter, it goes back together without compressing anything.

[M-technik-3]

Ok put it this way, your going to need the tool when it comes time to reassemble them.

[elbrack]

people who live on the side of danger just put that strut on some grass, step on the spring, hit the top nut with impact, boom it comes apart.

How dangerous are we talking? I've got the impact to do this.

[nando]

people who live on the side of danger just put that strut on some grass, step on the spring, hit the top nut with impact, boom it comes apart.

I do it that way all the time. Actually, I'd rather do it that way - there is actually a lot less potential energy to be released than when compressing the spring all the way to remove it.

Significantly less, in fact. All that should be compressed with the springs in the strut are basically the dead coils (they just hold the spring in place). You're talking 40-50lbs of force at most. When you compress it 2-3 inches, there could be 600-800lb of force snapping at you if the half-worn out spring compressor you borrowed breaks (or the Chinese one from HF).

Not much really happens, nothing goes flying, and it's really quick. win/win.

[CMG]

I actually used the fork for the tie rod end but whacked tbe control arm cuz none of the forks were the right size in the first place.

[Navarone]

With a couple good swings with a BFH you can pop ball joints out of the spindle. I had to press the control arm bushings off the control arm and out of the lollipop. I hated those.

[CMG]

Well got everything apart with the exception of one lollipop stuck on the conteol arm. Definitely recommend compressors it would have popped for sure without them. Btw i scored a complete e30 m3 front suspension with aluminum control arms for $450, hell yeah. My plan is to use existingsuspension on car plus this and have complete stock and track suspensions that i can swap out between

[acolella76]

Thread the nut onto the stud so you don't mushroom the threads and whack it with a hammer. It'll come loose.

[CMG]

I've pulled lots of springs but they're usually lower springs with no tension. Got the compressor, plus the forks for the ball joints. Any tips for removing ball joints with tearing?

[mr.vang]

Put one of your wheel on top of the spring and have your fat friend sit on it. It is not as bad, everyone is just overrating it. You will need one though if you're installing them back with stock shocks.