Richard Lang

Getting ready to install new shocks , Thought I would ask if there is an easy way to replace just the shocks, or does the whole system need to be removed ? Car is 83S.

Thanks.

Richard

Rez

You gotta take the strut out.

-Jack up the car – support car by the frame, not the front suspension.
-Take tire off.
-Unbolt lower A arm at the frame (4 bolts)
-Unbolt the sway bar at the base of the shock and push the bolt out.
-Unbolt the ball joint bolts.
-Remove the 3 nuts on the wheel arch in the engine bay.
-Prop upper A arm in the horizontal position.
-Unscrew the shock through the A arm.
-Once the strut is out, compress it with spring compressors – cheap ones at Harbor Freight work, but use 2 sets – lots of stored energy

Richard Lang

Rez : Thanks for your instructions.

Richard

rixter

I'm getting ready to do the same thing... thanks and I have a couple other questions,

my car sits HIGH as most of you know, had my mech take a look and he says it looks like all original equipment, I've seen a couple other early Euros sit this high and was thinking maybe the put diff springs on it than others

could I remove them and cut/shorten them to bring it down to height or should I buy new ones? I already have new 78 shocks

thanks for posting the procedure, this will save me tons of time having to digest it from the manual

Rixter

Rez

Rixter,

I would check the normal ride height, as it relates to your MY. I'd be suprised if your ride height is higher with orignial equipment. You didn't jack it up recently did you?

rixter

this car sat on jack stands and some rolling rack deal for a LONG time, could the springs have actually stretched?