Trunk spring installation?, without losing a limb Options

[Cheapsnake]

Can't put it off any longer...gotta install my trunk springs. Knowing what they did when I removed them, I've got great respect for their potential to do bodily harm. Nevertheless, I'm at a loss for an installation procedure. Pelican parts has a procedure that involves fabbing a tool out of 2" round stock - lots of machine work.

If it comes down to that, I suppose I could do it, but I suspect some inventive soul out there has an ingeniously simple solution that they'd like to share. Anybody? Thanks.

Tom

[arkitect]

I replaced the white plastic wheels with Pelican's brass wheels, but the motor and tranny were out which allowed me to be in the engine compartment replacing them.

The method I used was to tie the rod back with a ratcheting tie strap to get some pressure off it, then I used a small pipe, the one with my small 2 ton hydraulic jack and fit it over the end of the rod. With the help of my son I pushed it down in place while he put the nut on. I also found that there is more room on the end of the rod if you half close the trunk. It deffinitely helped with the extra person. Probably hard to picture, but basically one end of the rod was installed and had to torque the other in place. Can't believe how much force is on the rods.

Dave