On this last day of 2017, as if I had nothing better to do, I started to figure out a way to remove the rear shocks/spring assemblies without removing the IRS cage.
Can a tool not be made that will allow one to hold the top attaching bolt and another to undo the retaining nut? Kind of like a crow-foot wrench thingy?
Could a small access panel not be cut in the seat back and boot (trunk) bulkheads to gain access to those nuts? I suppose if this was possible, it would have been done already?

 

No need to remove the cage to remove shocks/springs.

The upper bolts are slightly tricky but I've always done it using ordinary wrenches and sockets. I can't remember precisely enough to tell you exactly what combinations of sockets and wrenches I've used, but it's doable.

Others with a better memory will chime in.

Cheers
DD

 

The 4 upper bolts are easily removed with a 5/8 ratcheting socket on the bolt head side and a 11/16 wrench or "spanner" on the other nut side. I did 2 sets this last week so my memory is fresh.

The upper shock eyes have a spacer bushing that can fall away and roll off and get lost so be carfull and remember to transfer it to the new shock. Hopefully who ever was in there last transfered the spacer and didnt over tighten the nuts.

 

Item #6 in this illustration is the little devil that'll get lost if you're not aware of its existence:

https://www.jaguarclassicparts.com/u...nd-spring-rear

Cheers
DD

 

sorry - posted in wrong thread...