Can't, or I won't compress spring enough to fit to my Rover

[rumpelstiltskin]

I've replaced a few springs on my cars over the years and have a rough idea as to how much you have to compress a spring before fitting it to a strut.Im replacing a front spring on my rover 75 diesel.Old broken springs off, and with the aid of my newly acquired new spring compressors I have the spring under so much tension im fearing for my compressors, and ofcourse my life!
I feel like I've gone way beyond normal compression and im still about an inch and a half off getting the top nut on the strut shaft??? The centre shaft is fully uncompressed at its full length, I dont know whats going on?
I've actually had a Halfords set of spring compressors in the past skip a few threads under tension!! Never rmoved so fast in my life! I thought to start with it was just a confidence thing due to this previous experience but I've ruled that out, spring is easily compressed enough.

[paintman]

Obvious question I know, but are you sure the new springs are the right ones?

[wolf1]

The old fashioned threaded bar and hook type ones are useless against modern springs which need compressing way more than the older stuff. I use one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/271109225902?limghl...

[PaulKemp]

I was doing this on a Mondeo that has springs narrow at the top
I needed 4 compressors, compressed coils with 2 then used another 2 to grap further coils, compressed them to required length for fitting
It was a hell of a job
Awkward, fiddly, slightly dangerous

[350zwelgje]

They are very strong springs (it is a heavy car...), I always have to compress them about completely to be able to install them.
The simple spring compressors can do it, but it is very dangerous. As mentioned before, use more than two of the simple type or the professional type (perhaps you can borrow one).
Also check that they seat properly/are the right type, otherwise they won't fit.

Rob

[The Wookie]

Another potentially obvious question... you have got the damper rod at full extension haven't you?

The gas pressure should take it there, but if it's lost its gas it might not.