I’m currently attempting to replace my rear shock absorbers and I am unable to get a good grip of the spring with the compressor from Autozone. I’m wondering if there is an easier way to take it out, Ive seen videos of people being able to slide out the spring and shock absorber without compressing it but I can’t seem to figure that out.

 

You don't have to remove the A-frame, just loosen and lower it so the hubs can droop.
Tech

 

This is how I did it on my Daimler Super V8:

Undo the shown bolts to allow the stiffener plate to flex down when pushed by the swing arm (when jacked down). NOTE: Position the UJ as shown on the 3rd pic (in "X" orientation) as this will allow maximum downward movement of the shaft.

 

Ah ok I’ll try that Im using All-Data and it said nothing about the A-frame.

 

The method of BENDING the plate down was discovered for us at our dealership by a guy named Butch.
He was tired of the dangerous method recommended by Jaguar of compressing the spring. (a very STUPID idea)
We watched Butch drop the springs out on the floor by prying the lower arm down with a 5 foot steel rod after removing the plate bolts.

After that, we NEVER used a spring compressor on the rear damper/springs ever again.
I posted the top picture of the 4 bolts and others pioneered the idea of the scissor jack. (I forget who but THANK YOU)

 

@motorcarman @M. Stojanovic , I just need to replace my rear springs - the dampers are fine. I've read loads of posts where @motorcarman has patiently repeated his method or removing the springs and dampers but one thing isn't totally clear to me - would this enable me to just drop out the springs and leave the dampers hanging? In other words, can I remove the springs without having to release the damper top mounting? I've got CATS dampers so I'd like to avoid that, if at all possible.

Cheers

Mark

 

The dampers need to PIVOT to allow the springs to get past suspension and brakes.
You need to check all the isolation bushes anyway.
4 nuts and the upper plate comes loose for access to the connector for the CATS damper as well as TILT for the spring.

 

OK, good advice thanks, and you're right about the bushes of course. I guess I just need to be careful with the CATS connector as I loosen up the upper plate.

Thanks again.

 

I noticed that RockAuto has the sub frame mount currently at a discount.

More Information for ÜRO PARTS C2C34189{Alternate Inventory Numbers: URO010827} ÜRO PARTS C2C34189 $12.81
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You can disconnect the CATS cables under the rear seat and push them somewhat down to provide more slack, just in case.

 

I just took off the A-frame but the bolts had gotten stripped. Do you know where I could find replacements for the 19mm bolts?

 

A well-stocked hardware store should have something equivalent. A fastener specialty store is probably not necessary.

 

Ah ok thank you and just one more question. The A-frame didn’t have any shims When I took it out, is this cause for concern or do I not need them?

 

The plate is ONLY pried down!!!!!!!!!!
A spacer is then placed in the 'gap' to hold the plate.

Never seen a suspension dismantled 'in-situ'.

If I were to dismantle for repair/replace, I would remove rear subframe COMPLETELY.

 

I followed the instructions and have succesfully replaced springs and dampers together with all the isolation bushes - they weren't awful but were beginning to crumble so a false economy not to. It took me three hours for removal and the same time for reinstall. In both cases it took me two hours to do the drivers side (UK car) and, with the benefit of experience, just an hour to do the passenger side. The CATS leads had plenty of play so I didn't need to remove the rear seat and there's been no connection issues.

Two things I learned:

• It's definitely easier if you remove the caliper hangers as well as the calipers themselves. Just that small extra bit of clearance makes all the difference
• I used a small bottle jack rather than a scissor jack after my first attempt on the drivers side. Again, more clearance to work with, I found. I forgot to take a photo, sorry, but it's self-explanatory, I think.

Thanks for all the help. I'm very happy with the results but I don't want to do that job again any time soon unless I get access to a lift - it's definitely harder lying on your back!

 

Just the Jag jack makes me nervous. Anything else under there?

 

Can't you see that eBay box - loads of support