I think I might tackle this project with a friend who has a coil compressor. I was curious as to any snags, I know that the rear seems to be a little harder, because the axle does not hang low enough

Also about how long did it take?

If i get this done, I will try to do a writeup

~Mike

 

removing the coils is a snap. no compressor is needed. just put the frame on jack stands, support the diff with a jack, pull the wheels, disconnect the bottom shock mounts (the top shock mount may be a pain to get off, so this may add some time), disconnect the sway bar end links, disconnect the panhard bar from the axle, disconnect the emergency brake from the center of the axle, and lower the axle. Watch so you don't lower it too much and put too much tension on the brake line. Springs should just pull right out. Putting em back in is the reverse, although it helps to have someone push down on the axle for installing the second spring. Took me no more than a couple hours to do the rear end (not including the hassle with the top shock mounts - that's another story). Once the wheels are off, it only takes removing about six bolts to get the springs out.

 

If Im just replacing my rear coils do I really need to remove that PIA top rear shock bolt???? just replacing springs.

 

Springs only = no on the top shock mount. You will have to take out the bottom bolt, but that is E-Z.

 

I followed sschaefer's write-ups:

Front coils

Rear coils

The front write-up is specific to installing spacers, but all of the info still applies, with new coils, you will still assemble the new strut using you old top plate.

On the rears, I did it by myself, so I had to use my floor jack to raise one side up far enough to put the new coil in, the repeat for the other side. It would have been a lot quicker if I someone had been around to stand on the brake drum while I put the coil in...

Time comsuming, but not a hard task...
Good Luck!

 

Probably don't have to remove the panhard bar, Tom and I installed rear coils 3 times and have never had to remove it. The only reason the fronts are harder is because of the spring compressor, otherwise it's cake too.

 

True, I forgot about adding that in earlier.

 

I got it done I did remove the panhard but that was a piece of cake . so no problems encountered