How to replace rear springs only

[svtman]

I will shortly be replacing my sagging rear springs on my SHO. I will probably also get the strut mounts in case the old ones are worn. What is the exact procedure to replace my springs? The struts are fine and do not need replacing. Are there any visible signs that the mounts will be worn as well other than the clunking that I think they are causing?

Thanks!

 

[projectSHO89]

The clunking from the upper strut towers is noticed as coming from directly below the rear seat's shoulder harness connection.

The noise alone is enough cause to replace them before they drive you crazy.

Steve

 

[Ishodu]

OK First Open the truck and loosen the bolts on top of the strut mount you may want to take off the one in the back that is harder to reach.
Remove the brake line from the strut, remover the stabilizer bar end links, Loosen the pinch bolt on the spindle to strut, Remove the rear strut-body nut and washer and bushing, move the spindle rear ward to get the rod out of it. Remove the pinch bolt, Now push down on the spindle until the strut is out of the spindle. Now take off the bolts in the trunk on top of the strut tower and the unit is out.
Your going to need a spring compressor to compress the spring then remove the nut on top of the mount as you hold another wrench on the top of the strut rod. Make sure you take notice the position of where the mount is located on the spring. The position of those bolts matter.
To install just do the opposite. The hardest part of the job for me was the pinch bolts breaking off and having to drill them and use easy outs. (GET NEW BOLTS)
I hope this helps. And and that I didn't forget anything.

 

[buechine]

For the pinch bolts-HEAT THEM UP! Very hard to get out if they are original. Great procedure from Ishodu top bolts are a sob to get at unless you have small hands. When I did mine I replaced everything (springs, struts, end links, top mount plates)a little bit more $$ up front but what a difference in ride. End links will be a definate replacement if you have driven the car in the winter.

 

[svtman]

Thanks guys! I'll be replacing them this summer and will hopefully not run into too many problems. My car is rust free even underneath so I hope I find the same when I start taking the rear apart...

 

[Xs SHO 1]

when u put in new pinch bolts, apply a little amount of anti-seize on them. will be easier to remove the pinch bolts next time u work with them....

 

[Ishodu]

About the pinch bolts I heated them up alot cause I didn't care much about the rear struts anyway, it seemed the the shoulder of the bolt did the binding not the threads. When I was drilling one side out the drill bit caught and pushed the threaded section right out the other side.

 

[svtman]

Well, I finally got around to doing these springs! As mentioned above, the pinch bolts were a pain, and I broke both sides off and had to borrow a torch to get them hot enough to remove (my little hand held torch was not enough). I'm sure glad somebody mentioned to get new ones (cheap at $6 for both). They did almost come out, just were corroded and weakened I guess. I was going to replace the strut mounts, but they were just loose and looked fine, so I left them. The rest of the install went smooth and I have a slightly higher (and especially firmer) SHO that is now free of clunking. Thanks to all who gave me pointers! thumb

 

[Ishodu]

thumb Sounds like everything went ok for you. I bet it makes you feel even better getting it done yourself uh?

 

[Ganday B]

svtman,
Which springs did you put in and which struts do you have? How long did it take? I need to do the same thing.

 

[svtman]

Ganday,

I put in generic springs which were stiffer than stock. They did raise up the rear a bit, but more importantly firmed it up. The struts I left stock as they were still OK. It took longer than expected due to me breaking off both pinch bolts, and having to drill and remove them. With no problems, this job would take me about 2 hours now knowing how to do it. But, to be safe, leave a full day if you run into issues!