Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

[70spider]

Ok, now it is official ,I am an idiot. I bought this http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+ ... 1/10002/-1 but it is to large to fit through the shock openning, go figure. I tried taking it apart and slide each piece in individually but the lower hooks when opened in the correct position will not go through the opening. Which compressor tool did others use? Well, I will have to try to figure something out I can't afford to buy another tool.

[azruss]

That looks like the standard size compressor like I have. you have to remove the lower shock mount plate to get it in.

[4uall]

here are some resources didn't even need a compressor (not for everybody )

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... l&start=15

[70spider]

Ok I got a little creative and it almost backfired. Here is what I did:
1. I inserted the top hooks inside the spring as close to the top as possible.
2. I then secured the bottom hooks underneath the lower A-arm.
3. I tightened the compressor tool to the point the top of the springs were below the top seat.
4. I removed the upper A-arm.
5. I tried to pivot the lower A-arm so the spring could clear the upper mount, however it wouldn't due to the spring compressors screw being so long (that's what she said).
6. So I had to remove the lower A-arm and pull the whole assembly out in one piece.
7. I uncompressed the spring.
It felt like I walked a hundred miles out of my way but I got there in the end. I am going to do the same for the other side but put a spacer on the compressor so the screw doesn't enter the shock tower so far.
All is good.
Here is what the other side looked like:



This is the difference between the stock springs and the ones from AR

Now I have to tackle the steering.

[vandor]

You will be happy to know that the new spring is short enough to be installed without a spring compressor!

[70spider]

You will be happy to know that the new spring is short enough to be installed without a spring compressor!

Thank you for that, I am going to clean things up before I put it back together. I need to get a center link and a 22mm wrench so it looks like I will have to sell some more golf clubs .
I also may have a potential problem with the bolts that secure the lower a-arm to the crossmember, the threads on the pasenger side do not look so good. They are functional but very rough. I thought maybe using a die to smooth the threads out or maybe double nut them like others here have done.
Also, when I get to the rear suspension how do I install the springs, tight coils on top or bottom?

[redcars]

A thread chaser is easier on the stud as it does not remove as much metal as a die.

[70spider]

A thread chaser is easier on the stud as it does not remove as much metal as a die.

Something like this: http://www.handsontools.com/Kastar-2584 ... _9206.html ?

[RoyBatty]

Tight coils DOWN.
This is recommended from first hand experience in having installed them on a friends Spider. If you install them tight coils up,you run the risk of an annoying rattling noise from where they will contact the bodywork at the top.

[70spider]

Well I got my 22mm wrench and started on the removing the a-arms from the spindle and as most of you know this is the hard part. I had to remove the dust cover and steering knuckle just to get at the a-arms. Once here I don't really know how to go about getting them off.

Here is what it looks like. I am concerned that the highlighted area is a pin of some sort, has anyone come across this?
At any rate any suggestions on how to get the nuts off the ball joint? Also, does anyone sell the spindle? Just checking in case I can't get past this point.
Thanks.

[vandor]

Put the spindle in a vice and use the wrench to undo the nuts. If they get rounded off use a chisel and a hammer to spin them off. New ball joints come with nuts anyways.

That is not a pin, that is the part you hit with the hammer to get the BJs out once the nuts are off.

[70spider]

Well it looks like I have to get a vise now . I think this is costing me more in tools than the actual parts .

[RoyBatty]

Heat and penetrating lubricant is your friend.
Apply as required to get the job done.

[70spider]

Ok I found my old vise from when I built golf clubs so I am going to give it a try tommorrow. I had an idea of using a universal joint on a 22mm socket and using my impact wrench, so I went searching on the net to see if it was a good idea and I found out that they make swivel impact sockets to deal with problems just like these. I found this one http://www.amazon.com/SKT-34372-Swivel- ... B000R7NAAS
If anything I think it might be better to use the swivel socket to torque down the new nuts instead of a crowfoot wrench.

[njoconnor]

Thanks for the continuing series. I'm going to be starting mine on the 72 in the next 2 weeks. My long time mechanic will help out with the front, rears TBD.

Neil