Need advice on best tool to change valve springs

Based upon experience can someone tell me a tool that was easy to work with and which ones to stay away from? I'm changing all 12 with an upgrade.

 

I am guessing the head is still on the eng,, SO the simple inexpensive OTC type tool should do well.
Have A good magnet to reach in for the keepers might be something to get before you get starting.
Likely some youtube videos to better explain what I am thinking.

 

That's the exact one I bought!

 

While checking the other pushrods, I noticed the spring in one of the lifters had about as much resistance as the click of an ink pen when I pushed down on the pushrod. Is that normal?

 

that would NOT be compressing the spring, sounds like the lifter issue AND with eng off might have bleed down - do they tick at start then get quiet?

 

AW, the push rod broke right before I shut it off. I bought all new Comp Cam valve springs this week that are performance strength but fit the small block Chevy valve setup in the head. Titan and Golen both use original size push rods for the Jeep Stroker, so I bought new ones in chrome molly. I think that one lifter is collapsed because the push rod just mashes its internal spring easily by pushing the rod down with my hand. I can't collapse any of the others that way. My brother says it's fine, but I just don't feel comfortable with it. I'm tired of fighting it. Golen runs all of their Jeep Stroker engines up to 6,000 rpms on the dyno as soon as the cam is broken in and then warranties them for 3 years with unlimited miles. I'm being blamed for the bent push rod at 4800 rpms on the Titan engine. I just want to drive it and only worry about paint for awhile.

I will be changing the valve springs and push rods next week. Should I go ahead and remove the head also to replace the lifters? They only have 85 miles on them. Is there a way to check them from the bottom end?

 

maybe measuring and swapping around pushrods - a little longer might be able to solve the issue.

MICK - All this shop time is a distraction we gotta get you a girl friend. On to important things, how is the fishing- Is it getting comfortable enough for camping and scouting your turkey hunt?

 

You're right. I don't have a girlfriend, I don't know how to fish and I haven't been camping in years. I'm lonely and the Jeep is all I have to love. Now I have something else to work on. Thank you, my friend.