Front & rear shock removal RESOLVED FINALLY

[81SPIDERMATT]

the rears are a little different.... because of the axle the shock wont just drop out.... others hopefully will chime in but i think i remember jacking up the rear end as high as i could get it ..support the car from jacking points and let axle hang free... then pulling down on the side i was working on... that let me displace the spring and slid the shock out that way.... make sure you get the spring seated back correctly ... also if i remember because it is jacked up so high the shock will not reach the upper hole... a helper is a good thing... push the shock from underneath and get the top bolts started on both shocks... then ;because the car is on jackstands you can use the jack to lift the axle slowly and get the bottom of the shocks in place and bolted in..... again loosen the top bolts with the weight on the car

[giuliot60]

I need to bookmark this for future use.

[4uall]

these will come in handy when I tackle the rear shocks

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 14&t=13707
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=13949

[giuliot60]

Thanks Jay. So no spring compressor needed for the rear. Sound good to me. I'd really like to lower my rear a good inch. I've heard some people cut the springs with great success.

My only concern would be on the very few times I'd have a full load in the car. A few weeks ago I had my brother, my 4&7 yr olds (100 lbs total), and my 2 nieces (probably 200 lbs total). With the two adults in the front (approx. 400 lbs), there was approx 700lbs in the car. It actually felt really good with the extra weight since I usually drive it alone, and the car had no problem moving the extra weight.

[4uall]

not going to start discussing peoples weight now are we? It may be all in my head however, the car seems really dialed in after the front shocks were replaced. I also made sure all my air flow boot connections were tight (removed it to gain access to the top nut)

[baltobernie]

When replacing rear shock absorbers, don't allow the rear axle to hang free. You will ruin the short rubber brake hose.

[81SPIDERMATT]

When replacing rear shock absorbers, don't allow the rear axle to hang free. You will ruin the short rubber brake hose.

excellent point... i was doing multiple jobs and my calipers were off the car at the time of doing the shocks

[4uall]

Another fused bolt GODDAMNIT! by itzebtze, on Flickr


Cut the shock by itzebtze, on Flickr

looks like I will need an external spring compressor I tried lowering the axle yet the spring remains. Tonight I will try and jack one side and see if the other side lowers enough to pull the spring

[Fi8spider]

Jay, if you don't have spring compressors, jack up the rear from the centre of the diff and place a couple stands under the body in a highish position, lower it until the car stands start to take the weight, leave the jack in place. Disconnect the panhard rod from the diff and the proportioning valve leaver.
Lower the diff slowly watching not to stretch or load up the short rubber brake hose, the springs should come out.

[giuliot60]

Good luck Jay!

Hopefully my southern car doesn't give me as much hassle when I'm about to replace mine.

[81SPIDERMATT]

one day you will be victorious... the car will bend to YOUR will.... and you SHALL BE KING .......

[4uall]

one day you will be victorious... the car will bend to YOUR will.... and you SHALL BE KING .......

AND IT WILL BE DOCUMENTED BY FILM & SCRIPT, AND PEOPLE WILL COME FROM ALL ENDS OF THE INTERNET TO BASK IN THE GLORY KNOW AS .........................................RESOLVED

[4uall]

Guess I had not raised the axle enough


Jacking the axle to release coil spring on opposite side by itzebtze, on Flickr

VICTORY!


VICTORY! Coil finally removed by itzebtze, on Flickr


Drivers side lower coil mount......................uh oh by itzebtze, on Flickr


Old Munroe Sensatrac & new Munroe Sensatrac by itzebtze, on Flickr

[giuliot60]

Great news!

But how are you going to deal with the rust? POR 15, or new metal welded on? How bad is it?

[4uall]

for now I will have to POR15 however, in the spring I will look to have someone weld/repair Anyone know a good welder in Ottawa?

Turns out I spoke too soon The bolts I had purchased for both the front and rear are too long for the rear. SOB! So I went to HD last night and brought the orig and hopefully put them in tonight. When I did my test drive the other night all I could hear was a rattle (never have had any rattles prior). As always I will keep you posted