rear springs rt142 wagon

[Bitsa]

I've an rt142 wagon that I've just bought some rear springs for.

I've looked up some "how to install rear spring" websites and the general consensus seems to be that it's not such a hard job. In fact most say, more or less, just jack the car up, put it on stands, hold up the axle until you take the bottom nuts of the shocks, lower the axle till the springs more or less fall out, then do the opposite to install the new ones.

Is it that simple ???????

I got under the car this afternoon and it sure looks to be a lot more complicated than that. I've got a few things bolted to the axle housing that look like they'd probably have to come off in order to lower the axle.

I wanted to put the springs in tomorrow (sunday) and am wondering if it really is as simple as jacking the car up and basically letting the springs fall out or is there more to it than that ?

Any help appreciated.

[frostyadonis]

yes for the rear its as easy as that..you only have to undo the bottom shocker bolts......
just a tip...when you remove the bolt off the shocker, use the jack to take the load (weight) off the shocker then use a large flat blade screwdriver to pry off the shocker.
do this one side at a time.
after installing the spring, jack up the axle housing to line up the shocker hole (spring side, not diff centre)
not doing the fronts yourself?

[Bitsa]

Thanks for the confirmation and NO not doing the fronts myself. I'm getting the front lowered 30mm ? (or something like that) for $420-00 fitted and wheel aligned . Less headaches that way.

[frostyadonis]

good choice...cos lowering a car with macferson struts can be a PINTA without the use of a rattle gun

[Bitsa]

No rattle gun here, but, if it didn't have to be wheel aligned I'd have probably had a crack at it myself. Bowers in Newcastle want $120-00 to fit Kings springs and shocks and give it a wheel align. I'll happily part with the money. Pedders wanted $305-00 to fit and align whatever it is they sell.

[crowncustom]

Fronts are just as easy.All you have to remember to do is undo the centre strut nut while there is still weight on the front of the car before jacking it up.
Cheers Brett.

[Bitsa]

Thanks for that Brett. I did the rear end last sunday which was too easy really. If the front was going to be that easy I'd be mad not to do it myself and just get a wheel align after. I'll check it out.