"Rex B" wrote:
This one raised the hair on the back of my neck!
The spring compressor you have is designed for Macpherson struts, which
have light springs than a non-strut vehicle. You want the kind that uses
a single large threaded rod, with strong hooks over the springs.

http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdsusp01.html#3450

KD is a common brand available all over the US in most any parts store.
What is your life worth?

The homemade device you describe would not be adequate.

FWIW, you can often rent these from your local rental shop - it's pretty
cheap and the right way to do it.. Definitely don't use strut compressors.

Jon