Changed out my upper spring/shock mounts today
#1
Changed out my upper spring/shock mounts today
It was time-consuming, but not technically difficult. For some reason one of the upper wishbone bushings wanted to travel with the fulcrum bolt as I was pushing it out, but it gave me an opportunity to examine the bushing when it came out. It was fine, aside from a reluctance to pass the bolt through. All the upper bushings looked and felt good. You can also check the ball joints and lower wishbone inboard bushings as well, once all the tension is off the suspension.
I bought a spring compressor from Harbor Freight which worked perfectly. I added two hardened washers under the head of the actuator bolt (you often have to "improve on HF stuff) and greased them and the threads well before use. It comes with a "span link" which is needed with the XK8 front springs since they are variable rate and at the bottom, the coil pitch and diameter are too small to engage the compressor hooks. Instead, the lower hooks engage the span link which is placed below the lower spring perch (see photo).
Reassembly was fairly easy, other than juggling the suspension parts with your knees while trying to hold the shims and insert the fulcrum bolt with your other three (I wish) hands.
My upper mounts weren't badly deteriorated (left photo), but had taken a compression set (right photo) and were beginning to crumble in places.
Took me about 6 hours at a leisurely pace.
I bought a spring compressor from Harbor Freight which worked perfectly. I added two hardened washers under the head of the actuator bolt (you often have to "improve on HF stuff) and greased them and the threads well before use. It comes with a "span link" which is needed with the XK8 front springs since they are variable rate and at the bottom, the coil pitch and diameter are too small to engage the compressor hooks. Instead, the lower hooks engage the span link which is placed below the lower spring perch (see photo).
Reassembly was fairly easy, other than juggling the suspension parts with your knees while trying to hold the shims and insert the fulcrum bolt with your other three (I wish) hands.
My upper mounts weren't badly deteriorated (left photo), but had taken a compression set (right photo) and were beginning to crumble in places.
Took me about 6 hours at a leisurely pace.
#3
#5
I too need to change mine but everyone's out. You must have been the person that called gaudeb the same day I did. They said the just dole the last set hours before.
Question, did it noticeably change the front height? My front is sitting low and I've been told its probably my crumbling shock mounts and bushings. I was also told my springs may be sagging but I heard its rare that both would go at the same time. Any thoughts?
I have got to get this delt with since its wreaking havoc with my arden front skirt!
Question, did it noticeably change the front height? My front is sitting low and I've been told its probably my crumbling shock mounts and bushings. I was also told my springs may be sagging but I heard its rare that both would go at the same time. Any thoughts?
I have got to get this delt with since its wreaking havoc with my arden front skirt!
#7
I was also told I can rent a spring compressor from autozone. I've watched the videos and I think I can do this as well. Getting better with some of these projects and my brother, a pretty good mechanic would help. (Third hand!)
Now if I can just find a set of mounts!!
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Join Date: Apr 2012
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philhef (10-06-2013)
#9
While I'm at it, what other bushings should I replace to try to get my front end back up to where it should be. Any other culprits that could cause the front end to be about 1 1/2 inches too low. And do high springs typically sag at the same time?
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#13
I'd say the ride quality has improved in the following way; there is a washboard section of pavement on my way to the gym (this is California .. no $ left to repair roads after paying the cushy retirement benefits of state workers) and I used to get some cowl shake on it. Doesn't happen now.
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