Does anyone have a clue why these would be necessary, I have seen them close up, they look like cheap bead chains?

 

RD, if you don't have this tool, getting the shock assembly back in the hole and spring in place is next to impossible. I made a tool the was very similar, only using wire. I think wire would do the job. We compressed the new shock and spring on a press then tied it down. Make sure to mark the orientation of the spring and top cup because just getting all in place will take some effort. Mark the bolt and the hub to make sure you don't change any of the aliment.


Wayne

 

They are useful when you are re installing the rear shock and spring after replacement. I used heavy duty nylon cable ties instead( and they must be heavy duty or else they won't work). The problem they overcome is that when you are trying to re install the shock/spring assembly and you have a retaining bolt through the shock and spring the shock pulls the spring down and then the assembly is too long to prise back into place.
(Wayne - you got there the same time as me lol)

 

I did this job two years ago without the special tool but could not see where it would help. I now get it, I used string. I've been meaning to ask the question ever since


See here https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ent-how-76345/