How do you replace the front springs and shocks on an '87 xjs V12. We have already replaced the rear shocks and springs. Do you need a spring compressor for the front springs??? The shocks look easy enough but the springs are buried in the front subframe. I just can't figure out the best way of going about removing the old springs. Difficulty compared to rear shocks/springs??


Thanks,

Lou

 

Take a 3/4 in threaded bar with two nuts and two large washers, put through the spring and.compress, when fully.compressed losen the nuts at the bottom of the spring pan and then losen the bottom nut and the pan will drop down. When replacing do the opposite except put guide bolts in the lower control arm that arr about 2in long and bump the pan untill it falls into place on them.

Sorry for grammar and such typing on a smartphone in class

 

going back together, I use 2-4 threaded rods, with nuts to guide the pan back up into position until I can get the bolts in place...

But yes, you will want a spring compressor of some sort to get it apart. Unless you replace some bolts, and use the threaded rod trick, it will be slow going though. A spring compressor will make it a quick job. If you have it that far apart, I would do the A arm bushings while I was in there as well as upper and lower joints. Check the tie rod ends also.

Dave
Atlanta