Thread: D2 Springs (yes, again!)

Kieren,
IMHO changing springs needs correct equipment and a healthy attitude to work safety. There are very large forces involved and a slow and methodical approach is necessary.
You need a few pieces of equipment
1 garage jack that lifts tall enough to raise the chassis enough so that the axle can move down to let the spring out
2 substantial axle/chassis stands
3 good quality spring compressors
Rattle gun optional.
The steps are simple
1 Raise one side of an axle with the jack until one wheel is well off the ground (say 100-120MM). Place an axle stand under the chassis at a level place, and lower the jack so the chassis takes the weight of the car on the stand. Check that the stand is secure and the chassis is completely in the stand jaws.
Take off the wheel , and lay the tyre under the chassis as extra insurance.
Undo the lower shock nut ,
Secure the spring compressors as near to 90degrees apart as possible and a high and low as possible and tighten the nuts by hand until both are firm.
Lower the jack completely, taking note that the chassis does not move out of the stand. (it will move sideways at it goes down) This part is scary so lower slooowly.
I am not sure whether the spring is secured at the bottom in a D2 but if so detach the bolts.
You should now be able to lift the spring out. If you have trouble stand on the axle while pulling the spring.
With a rattle gun and an extension and GREAT CARE progressivly undo the compressor side to side ( say 2 seconds as side)until it is loose.
Transfer the compressor to the new spring , taking care that the compressor hooks will not foul on anything if the spring is compressed in its seat. Progressively wind each side of the compressor/spring until you think that it is short enough to fit into the gap between the axle and chassis mount.
Fit it in, and then jack up the axle until the compressor comes loose.
Refit the retainers if any , and reattach the shock.
Jack up the axle further until you can fit the wheel, take out the stand.
Repeat 3 times.
PS on the front you will have to remove the complete shock turret and you may have to remove the stab bar.
Regards Philip A

Hi KIEREN

2 Q's
Are you currently running air bags on the rear???
Did you buy new shockies ... or ... are you going to use what you have???

Mike

Originally Posted by mike 90 RR

Hi KIEREN

2 Q's
Are you currently running air bags on the rear???
Did you buy new shockies ... or ... are you going to use what you have???

Mike

G'day Mike,
No air bags on rear.
No new shockies...keeping existing...just changing springs all round.

Cheers,

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8

Originally Posted by AussieAub

G'day Mike,
No air bags on rear.
No new shockies...keeping existing...just changing springs all round.

Cheers,

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8

Then just to make sure you are aware ... The 2inch lift will need to be complimented with shockies that can also do the extra 2inch travel

If you are using Standard shockies .. then they will or may be OK for road use ... but will bottom out when "you go bush" (= broken) .... So you will need to check there travel length


If you are aware of this already ... then just ignore this piece of info

Mike

Originally Posted by mike 90 RR

Then just to make sure you are aware ... The 2inch lift will need to be complimented with shockies that can also do the extra 2inch travel

If you are using Standard shockies .. then they will or may be OK for road use ... but will bottom out when "you go bush" (= broken) .... So you will need to check there travel length


If you are aware of this already ... then just ignore this piece of info

Mike

Cheers for the info Mike, much appreciated.
However, talking to loads of people over the past few weeks, and doing a fair bit of investigative work (I've not looked into this lightly!), I've been told that just doing the 2" spring lift and keeping the standard shocks should all be OK on the D2....?! Are you saying this is not so?

If I wanted to go any more than 2" then I know I would HAVE to change the shocks, no question.

Eventually of course, the shocks WILL be replaced, but not just yet due to monetary restrictions!

Cheers again,


..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8

All good then ....


Gotta get you out in them there sand dunes soon

How many K's on that motor // Hope it's running sweet

You have gotta be happy right now

Mike

We have a 2" lift in the county and are running standard hight bilstein shocks.

CHEERS TIM.

Originally Posted by AussieAub

Cheers for the info Mike, much appreciated.
However, talking to loads of people over the past few weeks, and doing a fair bit of investigative work (I've not looked into this lightly!), I've been told that just doing the 2" spring lift and keeping the standard shocks should all be OK on the D2....?! Are you saying this is not so?

If I wanted to go any more than 2" then I know I would HAVE to change the shocks, no question.

Eventually of course, the shocks WILL be replaced, but not just yet due to monetary restrictions!

Cheers again,


..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8

Obviously it is better to match longer shocks to longer springs as it will reduce the wear and strain on the std shocks. If you dont do much offroad driving then it might not be an issue, but why get the lift if you dont match up with proper shocks. You may find that the shocks are a limiting factor offroad and this may offset any benefit from fitting a lift.

Angus