RE: [alfa] Replacing rear springs on Spider- questions!

["Jeff Greenfield" <alfaguy@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Jason -

No spring compressor is required to change the rear springs on a spider. All
you need in addition to some hand tools is a decent floor jack.

Unbolt the sway bar links from the outer end of the bolt. Unbolt the bottom
nut(s) that hold the shock to the control arm. Support the rear most end of
the control arm with your jack and remove the bolt. You may have to loosen
the front trailing arm bolt a bit to allow enough movement. Lower the jack
slowly and remove the spring.

Installation is the reverse of removal, be careful guiding the bottom of the
shock into the hole in the control arm on the way up, pulling the shock back
down with the spring in place is a little difficult.

Be sure to tighten all suspension bolts with the suspension 'loaded' in its
normal position.

Take a close look at the trailing arm bushings, any signs of dry rot,
cracking, or separation of the rubber from either the outer bushing or inner
sleeve is an indication that they should be replaced.

HTH,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided] On Behalf Of
hagen_jason@domain.elided
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 4:51 PM
To: Alfa-Digest
Subject: [alfa] Replacing rear springs on Spider- questions!

I am preparing to replace my rear springs on my '73 Spider.  I was recently
told by an Alfa mechanic that having the stock springs was the best way to
control oversteer, so I purchased a set of Alfa rears.

My question is, can I use conventional spring compressors to compress these
springs?  I.E. the ones that you just attach two of these to the spring and
turn the nuts until the spring in compressed enough?

I assume that I will just need to disconnect the straps, shock, etc.  Any
other tips?  Also, how can I tell if my trailing arm bushings are bad while
I am in there?  I am planning to replace the sway bar bushings.  Anything
else I should look for?

Thanks,

--
Jason Hagen
Chicago, IL
'73 Spider
'95 164Q
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