which coil spring compressor to use

Hey guys, I have been struggling to replace the front coil springs on my truck. ive gotten both internal and external coil compressors but none of them work well. I read somewhere im supposed to use internal but the ones ive found are too big for the opening in the lower control arm when trying to remove old springs. have not gotten to try putting on new ones cause im stuck.
truck is lowered but im trying to put back stock springs. any advice would be welcome.

 

I just did this weekend with rental from AutoZone...$60, they are extrernal that you have to crank down a little at a time on both sides. If you return them with receipt, you get your money back. Takes a while fyi, specially if you don't have an impact wrench.

 

Have done several 4x4's with spring compressors, then tried the method that's in the suspension section that uses just jacks and the weight of the truck. Much, MUCH easier and safer in my opinion.

 

I did try the external ones. I forgot to mention my truck has aftermarket springs which made it lower and can't fit the comoresssors on it. Will try the jack method.
Will keep u posyed

 

I did the one from you tube, that all you need is a jack under the lower control arm to lift while you center the shock. way easier and faster than any other compression method. the key is to loosen the lower control arm bolts until they freely swing down.