[Healeys] Replacing coil springs

[Jake V]

Where are you located, Simon?
If you are near the DC area, you're welcome to use the spring
compressor/decompressor that I made based on the factory tool for this job.
Jake

On Sun, Oct 25, 2026 at 12:21 PM Simon Lachlan via Healeys <
healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:

> MkII BT7 3000.
>
> So, my files show that I enquired about this back in October 1999 and
> that I received sound advice that enabled me to remove and replace my
> car’s front springs.
>
> I discovered, too late, that coil compressors wouldn’t fit and I used 4,
> for safety’s sake, 6” lengths of threaded rod. This worked well.
>
> So…..the other day, I removed my car’s front rhs spring. No
> trouble…slowly, slowly catchee monkey.
>
> But, I’m having a helluva job getting the spring back on. As so often,
> per the book, replacing is not the reverse of removing. With a lot of
> effort/brute force and ignorance I have managed to replace the rearmost
> pair. But the various layers simply won’t quite line up for the two nearest
> the engine. A couple of mm, but that’s all it takes to prevent that 3/8”
> bolt lining up and going through.
>
> I’ve tried every combination that I can think of….loosening
> some/tightening others…up/down..whatever. That elusive couple of mm.
>
> I seem to be missing the point somewhere. Can you guys think of what I’m
> doing wrong or what I may have forgotten?? Any advice would be more than
> welcome….
>
> I have ordered four 12” lengths of 3/8” threaded rod and the appropriate
> bolts. I hope I may be able to line them up that way ie starting from a
> lower point and going up from there.
>
> Another question….the car is going in to a garage in a couple of weeks.
> My question is this…would it be safe enough to drive the car with two of
> its proper bolts in the rear two holes and two lengths of 7.98mm in the
> front two?? Yes, I would take it slow.
>
> I’m rapidly running out of patience and energy with this. Not an easy one
> without a hoist. Lying on one’s (aged & sore) back whilst fighting with a
> bolshie coil spring is depressing and, seemingly, fruitless.
>
> Any ideas re the two questions, above??
>
> Thanks, Simo n
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