Removing front springs..............

[JMF894]

Hello all. I have some adjustable dampers to fit to the front of the 450. Is the bible correct when it states that the springs cannot be removed with conventional spring compressors? If so what's involved?

Jimbo

[cerberatony]

if its the same set up as a tasmin, i didnt use spring compressors but instead i removed the lower wishbone bolt and the control arm bolts then using another jack lowered the lower wishone out of course you have to take out the shock first.

[combine]

James , I see you are getting the shocks on soon .

[JMF894]

Yes Steve that's the plan. I have got the rear set up quite nicely now. I've been fiddling with the ride height and the damping rates and have a set up i'm happy with now. The dampers I had from you should compliment it nicely. I am considering maybe changing some of the bushes whilst i'm in there. Would I be wise to stick to standard or poly? Also what about these rose jointed Steve Heath drop links? Any better?

Jimbo

[JMF894]

cerberatony said:

if its the same set up as a tasmin, i didnt use spring compressors but instead i removed the lower wishbone bolt and the control arm bolts then using another jack lowered the lower wishone out of course you have to take out the shock first.

You mean support the lower wishbone with a jack as it is under pressure from the spring? Then lower it until the spring can be released safely?

[ROOODBOY]

I used conventional spring compressors on mine, but it's a right faff getting them back on!

You need four arms, a long lever bar, a trolley jack and a lot of swearing!

[PoleDriver]

Steve Heath does a tool for this!

https://delta.securesslhost.net/~shenglt/catalog/i...

[simonwedge]

JMF894 said:

You mean support the lower wishbone with a jack as it is under pressure from the spring? Then lower it until the spring can be released safely?

Yes, I did mine this way as well. It's Ok getting them off but a bar-steward getting them back on again

Having just read the original post again I think you can drop the shocks out through the bottom of the lower wishbones and put new ones in without removing the springs. you'll need to keep the front suspension under tension with a jack of course and the H&S folk probably wouldn't recommend it.

Edited by simonwedge on Tuesday 16th August 20:55

[Wedg1e]

JMF894 said:

Is the bible correct when it states that the springs cannot be removed with conventional spring compressors? If so what's involved?

Jimbo

No, it's a bunch of arse. Of course you can fit conventional compressors; they worked on the Cortina and Granada so why wouldn't they work on the Wedge?

See here... http://www.wedgeneering.co.uk/TVR%20390SE%20p10.ht...

[combine]

JMF894 said:

Yes Steve that's the plan. I have got the rear set up quite nicely now. I've been fiddling with the ride height and the damping rates and have a set up i'm happy with now. The dampers I had from you should compliment it nicely. I am considering maybe changing some of the bushes whilst i'm in there. Would I be wise to stick to standard or poly? Also what about these rose jointed Steve Heath drop links? Any better?

Jimbo

James , steve Heaths drop links are very good , wouldnt be without them , and as far as Ive heared poly bushes are a harder ride than standard ones .

[JMF894]

Well i've bought the SH tool. For 20 sheets figured i cant go wrong. My spring compressors look exactly like yours Wedg1e so maybe that can be plan B.

Also i need to know more about this steering column bearing mod

Cheers

Jimbo

[grahamw48]

Some people are of the opinion that polybushes are too non-compliant on a Wedge (ie hard and uncomfortable ride)...which might end with a cracked chassis.

Maybe those who have fitted them can relate their experiences.

If fitting new suspension bushes, remember not to tighten the nuts fully until the weight of the car is resting on them.

[Big Daft Lad]

Wedg1e said:

No, it's a bunch of arse.

Quote of the day, and could so easily be applied to many other things!