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Posted by: JF914 Jan 7 2010, 08:07 PM

I bought my '73 2.0 new Bilstein shocks/140# Weltmeister springs. Easy project for a DIYer? Any one posted or have a step by step, with photos?

I am pretty sure that I can pull this off...just want some tips, in case, to save from any pitfalls.

THANKS. John

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jan 7 2010, 08:18 PM

easy do not even have to remove the tires. there is a procedure in the "tech tips 700" book

Posted by: JF914 Jan 7 2010, 08:22 PM

THANKS GEORGE. I should have noted that I purchased from YOU !!! Wonderful service.

Can you point me to the Tech Tips 700"?? I am a newbie to this site.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 7 2010, 08:25 PM

Its a book that George wrote and sells. You can do it. Just be careful about the springs. The rest is very easy. There are tools called spring compressors that you can rent from your FLAPS to help with spring compression.

Posted by: jt914-6 Jan 7 2010, 08:43 PM

Back in my early 914 days we would put the spare tire over the top of the shock and loosen the nut. It would spring the wheel up a little when the threads let loose and used it to compress the spring to get the nut back on. This was stock springs. 140's may be shorter...There was no renting tools at flaps then...

Posted by: Mark Henry Jan 7 2010, 08:48 PM

When I put on my 140# rear springs I didn't need a compressor.

Posted by: underthetire Jan 7 2010, 09:12 PM

I did one at work during lunch. Kinda had to to get home, but it is very easy.

Posted by: brant Jan 8 2010, 12:04 AM

you can do it.
not bad at all...

probably want to get a rear or 4 wheel alignment when your done though
any change to ride height (new springs) will change your alignment when your done.

Nice to see another colorado guy
are you on the colorado 914 yahoo group yet?

I'm in boulder 5 days a week if you ever need anything
The best alignment shop in the state (and probably one of the best in the whole country) is in boulder

brant

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 8 2010, 08:46 AM

A spring compressor with a safety clip is usually under $25 from any FLAPS. You need the outside-the-spring kind (MacPherson?) not the inside-the-spring kind. As everyone else has said, it is not hard at all.

Zach

Posted by: Millerwelds Jan 8 2010, 10:05 AM

I did not need a spring compressor with my 140# springs / Bilstein's either. Simple job.

Posted by: tradisrad Jan 8 2010, 01:33 PM

The 140# springs are shorter than stock so there is no need to compress them.

I don't see why you need to remove the old springs since you have new springs and shocks. Assemble the new parts. remove the old struts from the car and install the new ones. An impact wrench can aid in removing the top nut that holds the strut in the car. The bottom nut can be a PIA. Keep the strut parallel with the car and push/pull out the big bolt on the trailing arm/shock.

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Jan 8 2010, 03:25 PM

Yes, and I could even reach both top and bottom to hold shock while working the top nut. Once up on jack stands, using the jack to raise and lower the wheel+trailing arm makes it super smooth too, taking the pressure off hardware during both removal and installation. Go for it!

Posted by: etcmss Jan 8 2010, 03:38 PM

If you want to use a spring compressor Autozone rents them (or check your local auto parts store) and then gives you your money back. results no charge (if you don't want to buy one)

Posted by: sww914 Jan 8 2010, 03:39 PM

I have a spring compressor and I still use the spare wheel method, it's faster and safer, IMO. Works for Boxsters and 996's too.

Posted by: underthetire Jan 8 2010, 03:40 PM

If your worried about it, just get these. Hell, use em twice and toss em, whatever.
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=spring+compressor&Submit=Go