Coil spring isolator rings and spring compressors?

I've got some vague idea from searching about, and asking around, but just wanted an opinion from anyone who may have ditched the spring isolator rings from their discos rear suspension. Does it make a great difference to vibration if not fitted? Also I think I may need some spring compressors, but may be missing something obvious that someone can put me right on. I planned on doing my suspension over two days last week. Rear, one day and front the next, to replace the very old existing set up.
After a week of spraying my nuts and an hour or so of battling with undoing everything, I could only go so far as replacing the shocks at the rear and had to put the old springs back in. I never got near the front.

The first problem I encountered was after dropping the axle as far as I could, and getting a bottle jack in to pop the old springs out, the isolator rings were completely shot. I've ordered some more, as they were fitted for a reason, but looks like it will make the new spring taller, and harder to get in.

Second problem was that the rear brake flexi's were pretty much at their limit, and no way was I going to get the new springs in without the help of the Incredible Hulk. The old ones only just popped out with the help of a few firm shoves.

As a result I scrapped the suspension change, put the old bits back on, except rear shocks, got the hump and went for a beer.

Before I go out and buy some spring compressors, have I missed something obvious?? I checked all the old paperwork for the vehicle, and see it had an invoice for rear brake pipe, but nothing else part number wise etc. I can only think the replacement pipe means hose, and it was too short when replaced. Anyway I've attached a couple of photos, so you can see how tired the old stuff was.

Also, do I need the isolator rings? They were obviously fitted for a reason, so I've ordered some replacements, I'm just interested to hear if it makes much difference, as it looks like they will increase the height of the springs by nearly an inch?.

Thanks, Newb

did you drop the rear ARB ? makes life much easier. I've just put heavy duty +1" all round and used spring compressors. You might be able to get away without them but they really do help.

RichardH said:

did you drop the rear ARB ? makes life much easier. I've just put heavy duty +1" all round and used spring compressors. You might be able to get away without them but they really do help.

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Richard, I must confess I didn't. I thought about it but the flexis were already at their limit and that was with the ARB still attached. Mine are heavy duty springs too so reckon I'll invest or borrow some compressors. They do concern me though, I have visions of them slipping or giving out!

You'll find it much easier with a pair of compressors. I've used mine dozens of times over the years and never had them slip, just try to keep the load equal on each compressor to stop the spring from twisting.

I was hoping to do the front shocks and springs without removing the turrets but failed miserably. Trying to get the larger spring and the +2" shocks back in proved too much for 1 pair of hands. I then sheared most of the studs on the turret rings so it might be worth getting a pair, or making sure there's somewhere local that stocks the rings before you start.