00PathfinderSE Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 can anyone give me a step by step for replacing the rear springs. Planning on lowering the rear axle with a jack and wondered what else needs to be disconnected other than the shocks before doing this. much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleurys Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 you can do it without disconnecting anything, but you need to compress the springs with a doh...spring compressor LOL... This is what I did when I installed my coil spacers... Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 You pretty much have the right idea. As he said, coil spring compressor can come in handy but shouldn't necessary for OEM springs. Jack up the vehicle until the rear axle is in the air and properly support the body at the jack points. Position a jack directly under the pumpkin and raise the rear axle slightly. disconnect the rear sway bar and shocks (bottom end only). Lower the jack and see if you can pull the springs out. If not, position the jack on one side of the axle and raise that so the other side is forced down. You should be able to pull that side out now. Note the position of the spring isolators and install them the same way with the new springs. Repeat to do the other side, jack the axle back up, attach the shocks and sway bar, and lower the whole vehicle back down. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkorahil Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Precise and flurys are both right. If you have a compressor use Fleurys method, if not use the one Precise gave. I have done Precise's method twice and it isnt too difficult once you get in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
00PathfinderSE Posted November 10, 2012 Author Share Posted November 10, 2012 Thanks got it done using the jack method, axle came down smoothly without bending anything. Thanks for the help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 Glad you got it done without issue. Precise and flurys are both right. If you have a compressor use Fleurys method, if not use the one Precise gave. I have done Precise's method twice and it isnt too difficult once you get in there. Hell, I've done Precise's method once in conjunction with Fleury's method! Damn Jeep springs didn't want to fit, especially the second one! I have a set of spring compressors I have used for 20 years (as little as possible). They are ok for assistance, but I had one spring almost get away from me and that will give you a healthy respect for potential energy! Great tools but to be used cautiously... B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sroeser01 Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 This is the same thing I did when installing my AC lift. I had an extra set of spring compressors on there to be safe tho. I've seen them slip before its not good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
00PathfinderSE Posted November 12, 2012 Author Share Posted November 12, 2012 yea I'm panning on doing the front struts later this month, can't say I'm looking forward to it. Isn't there some compressors that have locking clips on them to keep them from slipping off? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkorahil Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 yea I'm panning on doing the front struts later this month, can't say I'm looking forward to it. Isn't there some compressors that have locking clips on them to keep them from slipping off? Yes there are I have seen them. I am sure someone here can name where to get them. I am just drawing a blank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 I've seen them but never used them so I don't know how much better they work. Sometimes you don't have good access aroung the spring to install the clips though. These are the ones I am accustomed to (without the secondary hooks). I find that wrapping the hooks with duct tape make them grip better than just a metal on metal contact. If you use this type, make sure to lube the threaded shaft. These look decent if the grooves are properly arced and that keeper system looks effective and built in. Clearance may be an issue... The first pict was Harbor Freight but you can find other brands and the second are carried at Autozone among other places. Just pay attention and be careful and it should go smooth. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 If you've never done struts before, and don't have anyone who has around to help, I would take them to a shop to be assembled, and then install them into the truck yourself. Reason being that it is a lot easier and you still save a good chunk of change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
00PathfinderSE Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 Borrowed a spring compressor. Got the passenger side done today. Spent a lot of time trying to get an end link off and eventually cut it off. Hopefully driver side will go faster tomorrow. Fun stuff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piste Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 I have one that uses u bolts...limits how much slip can occur. Check out Advance Auto....Autucraft branded ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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