Replacing rear suspension

[Phill Wright]

Finally got all the bits I need to sort out my rear suspension (hopefully), new shocks, springs and bush sets.

Now, not having attempted this before, any advice/help either on-list or physical presence :lol: would be appreciated ....

[NickT]

Get a good quality set of spring compressors.
The springs will have to be compressed on the car.

A vice is probably handy to squeeze the new bushes in.
Do you have new tab bolts?

If you are removing the trailing arm shields it is worthwhile spending some extra time replacing the bolts under the battery/ behind driver seat compartment with the stainless ones on a strip. I found the tool that tightens the angle grinder disk on my black and decker angle grinder fits ok. Definately a 2 person job though but you'll be glad it is done.

Air tools help.

Good luck.

NickT.

[Bandit]

Hi folks, first time I've posted, so hello to all. I,ve just stripped all the rear down on mine, to give it a good clean & coat of paint. It's a doddle, no special tools really, you don't need any spring compressors for the rears, just put stands under the chassis & let the weight off the suspension. Comes apart dead easy. BTW Phil I'm the guy that stopped on your drive that day last summer, to ask about the car & thanks to you I now have one. I only live down the road from you so no doubt we may cross paths soon.

[Phill Wright]

I've still got Rich's spring compressors (I think) in case :-). I already have the stainless strips that hold the TA covers on but have new tab's already so shouldn't need to remove em. I will be replacing the shocks, rear springs and top/bottom bushes, plus anything else that looks dodgy when I get it apart.
I remember the visit :-), I don't live there anymore (still own the place) I have moved up to Hulland Ward near Ashbourne, you're most welcome to pop up anytime for a chat and a coffee (or something a bit stronger) :-)

Also, have just bought an engine crane ... so if anyone needs use of one let me know.

Phill W

[Bandit]

Nice one Phil, will be in touch, I'll take you up on that offer. My missus works very close to you at the aggregate place in Hulland Ward so I know more or less where you are & from what I recall there's only about a dozen houses in the village anyhow.

[Phill Wright]

Aggregates, yeah we know the place, and their trucks thundering through the village every day.......

Actually, we can see the plant at night (although its about a mile away across the fields) as its lit up like a Christmas Tree!! :lol:

We're off the main road, but handily located for the Nags Head so look forward to meeting up again sometime

There's mine and Claire's D's here, so we could always take the D's for a cruise around the Dales one day too if you like. Theres also a monthly car meet at South Wingfield that we go to, although that probably wont take off again now until the spring.

Cheers,

Phill W

[stunned_monkey]

Rear springs can be released without the use of compressors, explosives, corrosives or angle grinders. It's actually really, really easy, as long as you have one axle stand with a notch in the top, some nice strong zip-ties and a good tall jack. 8)

[Phil Peters]

Would you re-torque the bolts with the weight of the car on the suspension?

[bozzzydmc]

Phil Peters Wrote:Would you re-torque the bolts with the weight of the car on the suspension?

Good Point... Yes the weight of the car needs to be on the suspension before final torquing up, same goes for 'tab' bolts

[bozzzydmc]

Phill Wright Wrote:Finally got all the bits I need to sort out my rear suspension (hopefully), new shocks, springs and bush sets.

Now, not having attempted this before, any advice/help either on-list or physical presence :lol: would be appreciated ....

As a matter of interest, did you go for OEM stuff or something different Phil?

[Phill Wright]

well, springs are OEM (from Dave H, though I suspect he may have sent a set of original front ones instead of rears ) the shocks are apparantly what Houston supply and the bushes are the new blue jobbies from Ed ...

Phill W

[blknight05]

hi where do you get the stainless strips with bolts in that hold the sheilds on under the trailng arm bolts,i had 1 bolt snap,

thanks in advance

[bozzzydmc]

only one bolt ? ...lucky you

http://pjgrady.com/specials.asp

Stainless Trailing Arm Shield Bracket Kit

You could see if Darren / Chris can supply it through www.pjgrady.co.uk

[Phill Wright]

Yeah, mine were fitted by PJ Grady while the car was in the USA, it was maintained by them (very well).

Cheers, Phill W

[bozzzydmc]

http://www.dmctalk.com/showthread.php?t=4544

This should be of some help to you Phil.