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In the OP's case, it's not going to help much since he'll need to take off the calipers and discs to do a proper job. He's not going to do that thru a hatch.
Without help, it's difficult to get everything lined up properly. I highly recommend help for both removal and installation. It is EXTREMELY heavy and awkward to handle.
Here's how I do it single-handed, FWIW....
Roughly position the assembly under the car. Use a floor jack to lift one side a few inches. Now uses multiple wraps of HD utility wire, through the mounting holes on the subframe, to tie this side off to the mounting bracket on the body. Remove the jack. One side of the assembly is now suspended a few inches off the floor.
Go to the other side and use the jack to lift it up a few inches and tie it off in the same manner. Now the entire assembly is hanging, awkwardly, from the body of the car.
Repeat this a couple times, alternating sides. The assembly will now be in close proximity to the body and you can use your floor jack on one side for the final small positioning adjustments to line up the mounting holes. Now do the same on the other side.
No swearing, and almost no grunting, required. Works every time.
A second floor jack is useful in dealing with the nose-heaviness of the assembly but is not absolutely essential.
Hi, when removing and installing my IRS after rebuilding it, I ratchet strapped it to small furniture dollies ( harbor freight etc ). It's VERY heavy with all the pieces attached but I was able to do it all by myself. I used a piece of plywood the size of the bottom tie plate to support it on one floor jack while raising it. It's nose heavy as others mentioned so you will have to position the jack somewhat forward to balance it.
Here's a picture showing mine on dollies.
11-06-2021, 12:48 PM
