Well, Jim, here's what I recall doing:
I removed the retaining nuts at the top of the shock, which in my
case necessitated gripping the upper shock body with a large set of
pliers, as otherwise the whole thing was spinning.
Note that the use of pliers may well ruin the shock - I didn't care,
as I was planning on buying new anyway. I you wish to keep the shock
serviceable, then you will have to find some way of keeping the upper
shock body from rotating without deforming it.
Then I got under the suspension and removed the four nuts that hold
on the "H"-shaped piece that is the lower shock mount. It was not so
easy in practice as in theory, due to corrosion and a naturally tight
fit. Then I was able to withdraw the shock through the hole in the
spring pan.
Please use excessive caution when removing and installing those
springs, as you can get dead if you're not careful.
I was able to use a set of spring compressors designed for MacPherson
setups, though it was a bit awkward and came very close to not
fitting right. I purchased them at my local auto parts store for
$29.99. Mine differs from TRF's tool in that it is a two-piece
design that clamps onto the outside of the spring. TRF's tool is a
better one for this job, but is even more $ - though it's certainly
not difficult to replicate with items bought at Home Depot.
HTH,
Dan
>Here's a quiz for those who've btdt:
>"To remove front spring, first extract shock absorber, then use spring
>compressor", etc.
>All very nice and sensible sounding, but here I am with my frame
>practically stripped bare - how do I get the shock out? The spring is
>forcing the bottom plate down as far as it will go. I can't jack up the car
>to compress it; the whole frame just lifts up in the air.
>Any hints? I'm stuck!
>Thanks,
>Jim
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Dan Buettner - Des Moines, Iowa - mailto:danb@thelittlemacshop.com
1957 TR3, TS15098L, now with an O! Undergoing frame-off restoration
begun 9/99. Currently awaiting warm weather and funds.
1977 Spitfire, FM64159U, with an O. In need of a comprehensive
restoration (again); will probably become a Spit6 or a Spit8.
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