Ok as some may know im installing my springs this weekend and was going to use sockets and wrenches. So im thinking to myself why the heck dont i just buy a compressor so i can get everything done alot faster and easier. Also being as cold as it is here i would eventually have to just pay a shop to install them for $150 or close to it so why not put that money to use on the compressor. I have no idea on performance for compressors what will run an impact gun and what wont?? so anyway i found a compressor for very very cheap, specs on it are it has a 2 hp which will take a while to fill the tank but the capacity on it is only 3 gallons so its pretty small but its under $100 so what would you expect. It says on the box that it will run a 1/2" impact gun but with that size tank im sure it would be pretty short lived air. I just need to know if it will work or not to install my springs, i know it should do the job due to it WILL power the impact gun but its just the fact its gonna run slow. Then comes my next question, with a new compressor and impact come a socket set. What are most of the bolts on the maxima in metric or standard? everytime i work on it i use metric but i havent done any suspension yet so wondering which set i should get? im assuming metric also? now if this post doesnt make sense in some parts its because i got like 2 hours of sleep and am still up sense 4 thismorning sorry if anyone doesnt understand what im typing lol. -Ryan *edit* would i be better off and paying like $40 more and getting a 8 gallon tank with 2hp? thanks

 

that compressor *will* work but like you said it will be slow, and constantly running.
i'd seriously consider the 8gal if its only $40 more.
also, if your nuts/bolts have never been removed and are rusted in place, you'll have to break them loose with a breaker bar, this is true with most smaller compressors (<150psi). the parts on the maxima are metric, but your spring compressors will likely be SAE. I use my impact wrench for the spring compressors only, saves a ton of time and exertion. but i'd get the metric sockets if you choose one, since they will come in handy for future projects. also, any 1/2" drive sockets will work on your impact wrench, you don't have to use the ones it comes with. good luck.

 

Don't use just any sockets on an impact wrench, they'll shatter very easily. Use impact sockets that are made for that type of application.

As far as the compressor goes, don't waste your money. If you're going to get one, do it right and get a 2 piston high capacity one. Trust me, you'll wind up buying a better one later ...

Besides, I did my suspension without impact wrenches anyway. You'll just need a breaker bar to knock the lower strut bolts loose, and some liquid wrench.

 

well as far as power is concerned would it be ok to buy the 8 gallon one? i intend on using it for my suspension and prolly attempting to paint vasrious parts on my girls max. i know painting id have to wait a while in between every little area so it could recharge itself so idk. i believe its rated at 140psi max with the 8 gallon one not sure though. So you guys are saying it wont break the strut bolts loose with just that? id have to use a breaker bar? i was hoping for more power than that but i guess o well -Ryan

 

Craftsman has a deal for 300 bux 33gal tank 6Hp and comes with 3 airtools

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00916870000

its my x-mas present

 

For your 99 you'll need the following tools:

For the front
1) 17mm 6 point 1/2" drive socket - Center nut on the strut
2) 22mm 6 point 3/8" or 1/2" drive socket - 3 Nuts that hold the mount
3) 19mm 6 point 1/2" drive socket with a breaker bar - 2 Nuts on the lower strut flange
4) 17mm box wrench - To hold the bolt that the above 2 nuts are on
5) 10mm 6 point 3/8" socket if you have ABS brakes
6) Screw driver to tap out the brake line clip

For the rear
1) 12mm 6 point 3/8" drive deep socket - 2 Nuts that hold the upper mount to the car
2) 17mm 6 point 1/2" drive and a breaker bar to get the lower bolt out.
3) 14mm box end and a dddddssize adjustable wrench to remove the shock center nut. Hold the nub on the shock from turning with the adjustable wrench.

You do not need to compress the rear assembly to take it apart. It will only make a small jult when the nut comes lose. You usually don't need anand

 

^^^^ covered that nicely.

funk a cheapo compressor. I have not used one on my car, ever. The best thing to do (money wise) is buy 1/2" drive 6 point deep metric socket set. I bought the cheapest set I could find (Wal-Mart) 10-24mm IIRC. I dont think I could ever break one of them. Then get a breaker bar with a lifetime gaurentee. Craftsman/Husky stuff is cool since you can take it right back to the store. Then get 1/2" drive 12" rachet, 3/8" rachet and metric 12 or 6 point set, start with deep and buy shallows when you need them. (size 10mm-18mm)
also my spring compressors take either SAE or metric, 3/4" or 19mm something like that. Using the compressors on the front springs is about the only time I would want a power tool, and I use my Dewalt 12volt cordless for that. It works fine.

 

i didnt even need a compressor for the new springs just a lil body weight