Changing Shocks and Struts
 

I will soon have to change out the factory installed shocks and stuts in my 96 Volvo 850. I am pretty confident I can do it by myself - provided I invest in a spring compressor.

Question - if I buy one for the Volvo, can I use it for my 77 also? Any particular type, brand, feature to look for? Harbor Frieght has one for like $30 - any good for a tool I will use maybe 3 times in the next 10 years?

You don't need a spring compressor that I know of on your '77.

I bought the HF one and I've never used it and I had a 914! (has springs)

I concur with Zeke. Since your '77 has torsion bars instead of coil springs, you won't need a spring compressor for the project.

cheap ones are scary. i almost broke a friend's face helping him with a VW cab. it was the cheapo one that had two threaded rods, that you crank down slowly to pull these jaws together. the system shifts and twist. a better tool is jawlike and has a hinged end, with only one threaded rod to turn. i now let tire shops do it. most mom and pops places have done it for a six pack of bud.

Sounds like I would be better off hitting NTB or Midas huh?

Where in TX do you live? Unless you are way out in the sticks lyou can probably borrow one.

If there is an Autozone nearby you can borrow one from them. You actually buy it then return it, a great program.