Had the new rear shocks sitting in the basement for over 6 months, just lying there and intimidating me. This morning, I brewed the courage to tackle the job and with the help from my son and the info on this forum my rear end no longer sounds like a coffee can with a few bolts rolling around. It's a whole new car!

How anyone was able to use spring compressors for this job, my hats off to you, there is no way mine were even close to fitting. I used a tip found on this forum, removing the back plate bolts and bending down.

I was able to do the passenger side without removing any brake components, the drivers side I did need to remove the caliper. I did the passenger side first and that took a while, but, once one side was done the second side was much easier, just due to the experience from the first side.

Overall, I wouldn't call it a very hard job, but not easy either. Especially, when having a limited set of tools and performing the job in the driveway.

Glad it's done!

 

That is exactly what we were saying at the Jag dealer when they issued the procedure (for X300) with the STUPID beaded chain to hold the top spring mount in place while you risk your limbs/digits with spring compressors!!!!!

That is why we always bent the plate DOWN and replaced the springs/dampers the safe way for X300/X308/X100.

bob

 

Isn't courage usually distilled?

 

I find it difficult to visualise how this method will work but will be trying it next time I need to get a rear shock out.

 

The 'trapezoidal' shaped plate in the bottom of the suspension cage prevents the lower control arms from falling low enough to remove the damper/spring.

The lower arm hits the plate!!!!!!
Bend the plate DOWN and the lower arm falls farther!!!!

bob

 

I literally stared at it for over 15 mins thinking the same thing, honestly still don't get it, but, it worked.

 

AGREED! The courage came the evening before via a distilled method.