Changing springs

[kate648]

I need to change the springs in my AU sedan.. now I know I won't be able to do the front ones on my own, but I thought I'd give the rear ones ago. They were **** easy to get out as they were cut, but now I'm having a b*tch of a time trying to get standard ones back in! Anyone got any tips on doing it without pulling the whole rear end apart? Cheers

[my67xr]

have you undone the rear shocker lower bolts and taken the bolt out?

make sure when youdo them up very tight too when putting them back in, otherwise you may get a clunking noise when driving.

[kate648]

Yeah I've taken those bolts out.. took the whole shock out of one side but it didn't make it any easier :s

[redxm]

is way easier on a hoist, but if not, jack the body up as high as you can go with stands. Let the diff hang under its own weight and take the shocks out. (put a jack under the diff centre until you are ready to lower it.)
I changed mine (towing springs) on a hoist in under half an hour. By the time you muck around with jacks/stands I cant see it taking any more than an hour.
Just make sure you dont get under the car thats not supported by stands.

[kate648]

cheers dude.. unfortunately I don't have stands.. it's sitting out the front with the *** up on a couple of jacks, has been since I did the link pin bushes yesterday. Didn't have much of a choice about not getting under it :/ When I lowered the jack under the diff it didn't really go far. shocks out is the easy bit.. I think I'm just too weak to squeeze the springs in there!

[my67xr]

and make sure you dont have the handbrake on too, that can hold the diff up a couple of inches.

[kate648]

Originally Posted by my67xr

and make sure you dont have the handbrake on too, that can hold the diff up a couple of inches.

Oh true, I didn't know that. Thanks.

I've got it all sorted now thanks guys I had no problems doing it today.. may have been something to do with when I was trying last night I only had torchlight and I was exhausted from working on the thing all day!

Now I just need to source some springs for the front and I'm all good for a roady!

[redxm]

Originally Posted by kate648

cheers dude.. unfortunately I don't have stands.

Mate, for christ sake go and get some, or at least a couple of wheels. Might be a good suggestion for a late chrissy present or birthday. $50 is better than carking it.

[kate648]

yeah I know, it's on my list! I did have the wheels under there just incase.