Suspension removal Options

[Stuckon914]

I’ve stripped everything off of the car except engine and suspension. I have a few days off so that is next. What is the recommended order. Rear wheels on ramps, Drop engine, Jack stands rear end, drop rear suspension and wheels, free up front suspension as one piece; put front end on Jack stands.
Any tips on order of steps, and Jack stand and hydraulic jack placement appreciated.
Car is braced in frunk, trunk, cabin, and doors with 1inch square tubing.
Lots of rust so some Jack areas not useable.
Thanks

[mepstein]

I like to throw the wheels under the car as a backup and use an impact wrench to remove all the bolts holding on the suspension.
Remember to detach the steering shaft in the front trunk.

[Stuckon914]

I like to throw the wheels under the car as a backup and use an impact wrench to remove all the bolts holding on the suspension.
Remember to detach the steering shaft in the front trunk.

Good idea. I hate working under a car at 50, even with multiple jack stands 30 years ago I would work under them with a single Jack holding it up.

[mepstein]

I like to throw the wheels under the car as a backup and use an impact wrench to remove all the bolts holding on the suspension.
Remember to detach the steering shaft in the front trunk.

Good idea. I hate working under a car at 50, even with multiple jack stands 30 years ago I would work under them with a single Jack holding it up.

Last time I did this I also had my hf lift table under the car as backup.

[bkrantz]

You can drop the front suspension as one big assembly (I did on my project), but it is heavy and awkward--be prepared.

[Stuckon914]

You can drop the front suspension as one big assembly (I did on my project), but it is heavy and awkward--be prepared.

Would you do it the same way again?

[mepstein]

You can drop the front suspension as one big assembly (I did on my project), but it is heavy and awkward--be prepared.

Would you do it the same way again?

When I part a car, I remove the whole assemble and then work on the individual parts on the ground. Recently, on another 914, I assembled the front suspension and put in the assembly myself. It was pretty easy with a piece of plywood on my transmission jack.

I wouldn't try to hold it with one hand and wrench with the other but if you support it, it's not hard at all. You can take off the brake rotors to make it a bit lighter and then the assembly probably weighs about 75 lbs.

[BK911]

Might want to break the ball joints free while still on the car.

[Stuckon914]

Where do you support the front end to drop the front suspension? Front tow hook area

[iankarr]

given that the car may have some structural issues, I'd feel a lot better about using something like a quickjack to lift the car to keep the stresses even / balanced. Also way easier to work on than using jack stands.

As far as order goes, I'd drop the engine, then do the rear suspension, then the front. I actually just made videos on this...including separating the steering joint...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KecED-2H39Q



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFLyAjA_XYM


Hope they help!

[Stuckon914]

given that the car may have some structural issues, I'd feel a lot better about using something like a quickjack to lift the car to keep the stresses even / balanced. Also way easier to work on than using jack stands.

As far as order goes, I'd drop the engine, then do the rear suspension, then the front. I actually just made videos on this...including separating the steering joint...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KecED-2H39Q



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFLyAjA_XYM


Hope they help!

Thanks, watched them, as you recommended I have two sizes of BFH are ready to go.

[bkrantz]

You can drop the front suspension as one big assembly (I did on my project), but it is heavy and awkward--be prepared.

Would you do it the same way again?

Yes, but with another person to help.

Disassembly is much easier off the car.

[iankarr]

I'm super impressed with my HF Earthquace 20V impact. Pretty sure it would've taken off that stuck axle nut. You may want to arm yourself...

[Stuckon914]

I'm super impressed with my HF Earthquace 20V impact. Pretty sure it would've taken off that stuck axle nut. You may want to arm yourself...

Good to know. Spent 3 hours trying to get the wheel spindle nut off. Didn’t want to cut it off just yet. I don’t know why other than it’s personal.which one do you have, the 1/2 inch XT with about 2000 ft-pounds? $280

[mepstein]

I'm super impressed with my HF Earthquace 20V impact. Pretty sure it would've taken off that stuck axle nut. You may want to arm yourself...

Good to know. Spent 3 hours trying to get the wheel spindle nut off. Didn’t want to cut it off just yet. I don’t know why other than it’s personal.

MAPP torch for a couple minutes and then paraffin or an old candle on the threads while its still hot. Repeat as needed but go hot and heavy on the heat. Minutes, not seconds.
Also, with stuck fasteners, it can be helpful to tighten them a smidge and then loosen. Many times, the threads are not corroded on the inside of the stub axle so it's easier to tighten to break the corrosion bond.
Lastly, an impact gun is your friend. My first one was the 1/2" harbor freight corded model for $25. When my better cordless is without a charge, I break it back out and it never fails me. I believe an impact gun is much better and safer at removing frozen fasteners than a breaker bar.