How much ground clearance do you need to remove the rear springs (original non-sport)?

I was getting ambitious this morning thinking that I would replace the rear bump stops on both sides since they are pretty chewed up. After reviewing the workshop manual, a transmission jack is suggested for releasing the rear spring tension which presumes that one can walk underneath to do the work.
Anyone have any safe tips for the rear springs using floor jacks in the garage?

My suspension experience is with leaf springs and torsion bars, but I have an innate fear of big coil springs.

 

I did mine earlier this year and while I didn't take any measurements, I certainly didn't have the car up very high. Doing one side at a time, the car was on one axle stand and an ordinary trolley jack was enough to lower the spring pan enough to remove all spring tension with no dramas!

 

You need to disconnect the bolts to the control arm near the center of the car along the axle. Then they will drop down and the springs can slide out.

 

Thanks! I wasn't sure if all the tension could be released safely from the rear springs without spring compressors. I'll give it a try this week as new sway bar bushings and links are on the menu too.


I spent all my monthly maintenance money last week having my indy shop do the work on the front strut replacements (billed 4.5 hours for the pair).


Just replacing with OEM comfort Bilsteins all around, but I kind of like the grandpa floaty ride (Florida highways are 4 lanes wide and usually very straight).


I'll let you guys know if anything goes awry.