I've used two different ways:
(1) If you have a large C-Clap, use that to compress the bottom springs down by placing the clamp below the bottom tree of the front leg and on top of the top tree on the rear leg (between where the springs will go).
(2) If you have a bench vise, put each spring in the vise, compress it down and use 4 or 5 zip ties to hold it compressed, open up the vice, stick the springs back on and cut the zip ties after the bolts are on.
yard man said:
Ok... I need to put my springer back together to see how high off the ground itll sit.Is there any way to compress the springer enough get those bolts on WITHOUT taking it to a shop to have it done? I would prefer not to take it to a shop 1 because im broke and number 2 because all the local shops that ive ventured into had people working who didnt know anything about bikes older then cone shovels.....