WA 2 FST

Is this as easy as it looks?

On my C5 I didn't have to remove them and buy longer ones to get the desired ride height. On my C3 I need to drop the rear another 1"+, but I'm already at the low threshold on the current bolts. So, I need to go get some longer ones. The bushings are in great shape, so I'm not going to replace those at this time.

Do I just get the car up off the ground and loosen the nut? Or is there some sort of spring loaded pressure against it?

Thanks.

Pedro'74

There's a lot of spring loaded pressure. You'll have to jack up the ends of the spring. Use a C-clamp to attach a piece of wood to the spring, or just fasten the C-clamp to the spring, to prevent it from throwing the jack towards the other side of the car.

Good luck!
-Pedro


[Modified by Pedro'74, 1:53 PM 12/28/2002]

mapman

WA 2 FST,

Here is a link with some pictures that may help. I clamp a vice grip near the lift point of the jack to prevent the jack from slipping on the spring.
http://www.c3sharktank.com/tech2/rear1.html

Steel springs have more "arch" than fiberglass springs. Some fiberglass springs/cushion combinations don't have to be jacked up in order to catch the nuts on the spring bolts.

If you use a vice grip on a fiberglass spring, be sure to protect the spring from from the damage caused by the clamping force.

jerryp58

Pedro,

Thanks!
I was just working on my differential removal.
I removed a couple of things and spent some time thinking about what was next.
I replaced the spring on mine 7 years ago and I knew I had to use the jack to hold the spring in place while I removed the bolt and then let the jack down slowly, BUT, I had completely forotten about using a C-clamp to hold the spring and jack together.
That could have been ugly :skep:

Thanks again :thumbs:

WA 2 FST

Pedro and mapman,

Thanks!! This helps a lot, and ensures that I (and my car) will not get damaged. I have a VPB 'glass spring and its in superb condition, so I do not want to damage it, so good idea on the wood in b/w the jack and the spring.

I've got plenty of misc. clamps, etc, so I should be in good shape.

Thanks again! :)