A reaction device for forming equipment includes a base, a reaction member movably spaced therefrom by guides, and a return gas spring carried by the base and operatively engaged to the reaction member for yieldably biasing the reaction member away from the base. The base has a return gas spring passage and guide shaft passages spaced apart therefrom. A return gas spring is received in the return gas spring passage of the base, and has a piston rod with an end arranged for contact with the reaction member. The guides include guide shafts arranged for engagement with the reaction member and disposed in guide bushings, which are received in the guide shaft passages of the base and preferably project below the base for use in locating the reaction device on the forming equipment.