Rear axle support - replacing shocks

[KevAndAndi]

I have read in the forum that when replacing the rear shocks, the axle should not be allowed to hang free as that would ruin the short rubber brake hose.

What, then, is the recommended course of action? Does "short rubber brake hose" refer to the hose attached to the calipers? Doesn't replacing the rear shocks necessitate letting the axle hang free and jacking up one side of it and then the other?

[4uall]

This might help

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... ear+shocks

[81SPIDERMATT]

it is something to watch out for (stretching the hose) but I did mine without removing them .... I did remove one end of the panhard rod to help out with the drop a bit

[azruss]

If you do one side at a time and just let that side drop, you can actually pull the springs. I changed mine out without having to mess with the panhard rod. The biggest issue is getting to the lower shock bolt so you can pull that bracket out of the way.

[KevAndAndi]

This might help

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... ear+shocks

Thanks, I had seen that, and it is a huge help. I saw a mention there of a center rubber brake hose to be careful about, so I guess one must watch that one and the brake caliper hoses. As I understand it, a way to go about it is to jack up the rear end under the differential and put jack stands under the rear jack points, but it is a preferable to leave some of the weight on the jack under the diff when one uses a second jack to compress the spring on one side - to at least give some support? Also, is there any significant reason not to remove the panhard rod on one side? It is difficult to mess with?

[TStark]

The panhard rod bolt is the easiest of the entire bunch and of no consequence to 'mess' with.

Worth the 40 seconds ot remove for better articulation when working on the shocks/springs.