quote:Originally posted by BD:
I removed the shock/spring from the rear to install new a-arm bushings. I have all the bushings installed and the a-arms back on and am now trying to get the spring/shocks back in. The sway bar is off too. Is a spring compressor typically used for this and if so what kind? I borrowed a Macphearson strut spring compressor from the local parts house but it will not work because the spring hooks are too thick to fit between the coils. The a-arms are hanging all the way down such that the half shaft is resting on the exhaust pipe. Should the exhaust be removed to reinstall the spring/shock assembly? I didn't remove it to get it out. Any help and guidance would be much appreciated.
I am not sure where you are at and what you are asking here?
You are talking at cross purposes.
The spring and shock assembly, as an assembly is very strait forward to remove and to install.
There is one bolt on top and bottom that is removed and with a rubber mallet basically drops out of the assembly.
Yes the rear anti-sway bar connection needs to be removed to lower the lower a-arm.
If you are asking how the shock and the spring assembly is dis-assembled, Boss Wrench just answered that.
You have to do that in a hydraulic press and you need to make a fixture for that for the top of the spring retainer.
It has to be pressed down far enough to remove the two retaining clips. The clips are held in place by the spring pressure.
Once the clips are removed, then you let the pressure up on the press and the entire assembly comes apart.
The Pantera is unique as far as I know and you are not going to be able to find anything generic to do this.
As Boss says, you need to fabricate a fixture that is essentially "u" shaped, out of 1/4" steel plate. Welded together and cross braced so it does not colapse under pressure and open on two sides so that you can reach the retaining clips.
Mine is made out of three pieces of 1/4" plate, 4"x 4", welded together.
I doubt many machine shops will have anything like this either unless they work on Pantera suspensions.
I haven't seen anyone selling these fixtures either. You have to make one.