Replacing coil springs... do I need to remove the shock absorbers?

[mdawg]

Hi, all,

My LC rides nice now after replacing the worn out shocks with new Bilsteins (stock replacement). I noticed after installing the new shocks that my four corners straightened up: floor to bottom of fender flare measures about 35.4 inches on all four. Since the new shocks seem to be posturing the vehicle better, that tells me that the coil springs are not doing all they should be doing and could use a refresh.

I'm not the original owner; and, with 252K on the odometer, I am assuming that the coil springs are the originals. So, with all that, I have picked up a new set of OME 861/862 coil springs to work with my gently broken in Bilsteins.

So, my question, as indicated in the thread title: do I need to remove and reinstall the shock absorbers in order to replace the coils springs?

I don't want to replace my Bilstiens, just the coil springs. Both the FSM and Slee tech article mention removing them, but I can't tell if it's because you have to remove the shock in order to remove the coil spring, or because most folks replace them both at the same time.

 

[Luke84]

You'll need to at least disconnect them- I installed 30mm spacers a few months back and needed spring compressors and disconnected the lower shock mounts. Check threads on adding spring spacers- should have info you'll need

 

[bajaphile]

If you're just replacing the coils with stock coils, you probably won't need to. But, just undoing the lower mounts on the shocks will give you a ton more room to play with. One nut and less headaches per side.... just keep the uppers attached and just make sure you don't bind them up (never had to worry about that though).

Never needed coil spring compressors on my FZJ80. Removing lower shock mount, and sway bar ends should let the axle droop down far enough to remove and replace coils (Even when installing J-coils with 30mm spacers, I had no issues).

 

[Stuparman]

Just disconnect the bottom of the shock. You'll need to so the axle can drop enough to get the coils out.

 

[Luke84]

If you're just replacing the coils with stock coils, you probably won't need to. But, just undoing the lower mounts on the shocks will give you a ton more room to play with. One nut and less headaches per side.... just keep the uppers attached and just make sure you don't bind them up (never had to worry about that though).

Never needed coil spring compressors on my FZJ80. Removing lower shock mount, and sway bar ends should let the axle droop down far enough to remove and replace coils (Even when installing J-coils with 30mm spacers, I had no issues).

I was working with one pair of 3 ton jack stands and a floor jack- my axle wouldn't droop much further. Also a long time ago I almost lost a finger trying to replace a motor mount on a Volkswagen when the motor slipped off my tiny jack, so I'm extra nervous/cautious about yanking hard on components that are resting on a Jack/jack stands, but it seems like I'm in the minority of people who needed spring compressors

 

[Qball]

Did you discount the front anti-sway bar? You can also lay a couple of 2x4 under the jack but 4 ton jack would be nice?

 

[Luke84]

Did you discount the front anti-sway bar? You can also lay a couple of 2x4 under the jack but 4 ton jack would be nice?

I have a big floor Jack, and I trust it, it was just the jack stands. 6 ton are hard to find and I'm not sure if I trust Harbor Fright

 

[mdawg]

Thanks for the replies, all. Disconnecting lower mount on the shock seems like the way to go. I despised replacing the front driver-side shock due to the top mount nut, so glad I won't have to completely remove them.

As for jack stands, I picked up these from the local Northern Tool: Strongway Double-Locking Jack Stands — Pair, 6-Ton Capacity, 15 5/16in.–23 13/16in. Lift Range | Jack Stands| Northern Tool + Equipment. I like the dual locking feature, plus the almost 24 inch lift. I'm hoping the higher lift will make life a little easier.