Cabrio Rear Spring change

[bryannewell]

Hi All
Is it possible to change the rear coil springs on a cabrio(sierra base) with rear swing arms in place?
Obviously I would need a Spring compressor
I have removed rear Dampers to allow some slack, Is it then just a case of compressing and removing?
Regards
Bryan

[dave_clutterbuck]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

I did my rear coil springs with the rear swing arms in place with spring compressors a bit fiddly but no great problem, access was easy as I did have the rear tub off when I replaced them.
I still have the spring compressors I used, you could borrow them although distance apart would be a problem.
I think I paid about £10 for them off Ebay

[bryannewell]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

Hi Dave
Thanks for the reply and the offer but as you say distance a problem!
I'll buy spring compressors and give it a go if I have to I think I can disconnect the Drive shafts to give some more movement
Out of interest did you stay with Standard Spring Rates?

[greyV8pete]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

Hi Bryan. If you buy spring compressors make sure they are’nt too long as there isn’t much clearance above and below the springs. I tried my old ones for Sierra front struts but they were too long to fit.

That said, when I repainted my rear suspension I removed the springs without compressing them by putting the rear chassis on axle stands, disconnecting the lower shock absorber bolts and letting the swing arms down on a trolley jack. I think it was when I replaced the rear lobro drive shafts, as you mustn’t bend those joints too far from their normal operating range. Peter.

[bryannewell]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

Hi Peter
Thanks for the headsup, I've ordered a pair which I think will do the job
I tried earlier just undoing the shocker bottom bolt but there is not enough movement with Driveshafts attached so i'm hoping I can compress springs and remove with Driveshafts in place
I'm just hoping I didn't do any mischief to the Joint on my first attempt (should have read the Haynes first!!)
Regards
Bryan

[dave_clutterbuck]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

Hi Bryan
I bought the standard rate springs brand new, I did measure mine and the seller checked that his were the same I recall being more concerned about getting the same size.
I did not need to disconnect the dive shafts, I did turn the spring top adjusters up to their full extent.
Think you may bash your knuckles a few times apart from that all should be OK
Dave

[bryannewell]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

Hi David
I decided to remove drive shafts rather than wait for spring compressor and I could not shift the top adjusters!
I rang my local parts dealer and as I have no info on donor whatsoever he came up with three different lengths/diameters so have measured mine and nearest is 299mm x 131mm so will go with that
Out of interest did you renew the rubber Bump stops? Mine are turning to powder and is part of the reason I am taking things apart, But as I've been thinking about it I can't imagine them ever coming into play being as how are cars are so much lighter than a standard car
Regards
Bryan

[dave_clutterbuck]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

Hi Bryan
Just checked my bump stops they look very good, I must have renewed them although I do no actually recall sourcing them.
My adjusters were also difficult to shift, I did use heat to loosen them
Dave

[greyV8pete]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

Hi David
I decided to remove drive shafts rather than wait for spring compressor and I could not shift the top adjusters!
I rang my local parts dealer and as I have no info on donor whatsoever he came up with three different lengths/diameters so have measured mine and nearest is 299mm x 131mm so will go with that
Out of interest did you renew the rubber Bump stops? Mine are turning to powder and is part of the reason I am taking things apart, But as I've been thinking about it I can't imagine them ever coming into play being as how are cars are so much lighter than a standard car
Regards
Bryan

There are some o/e ones for sale on Amazon albeit at a price.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genuine-Ford-1982-1993-Suspension-7264097/dp/B06XY74NJB

On my Hunter they look more like a squashed ball (with a recess that pops over the locating spigot) rather than a cylindrical shape like the Ford ones.

I think my exhausts hit the ground long before the bump stops come into play! You can probably fit them later with the suspension just jacked up, so not a job stopper. Peter.

[dave_clutterbuck]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

My bump stops are the same as yours, same with exhaust which I found to be so whilst doing a recent navigational night rally.

[bryannewell]

Re: Cabrio Rear Spring change

Thanks for your input gent's
I'll get some bump stops and keep everything standard
Regards
Bryan