A reaction device for forming equipment includes a housing having a mount adapted to be connected to a forming die and a casing carried by the mount. A lift rod is disposed at least partially on the housing for movement relative to the house between extended and retracted positions. The lift rod has a first end disposed in the housing, a second end and a passage extending through the lift rod between its ends. An adapter is connected to the lift rod within the passage and is adapted to be coupled to a lift bar of the forming equipment. A biasing member is disposed between the lift rod and the housing to yieldably bias the lift rod to its extended position.