Dave - many thanks for re-posting the pictures. I have changed my rear springs now - took me 2 days. I read and re-read your post and it helped enormously - saved me no end of bother.
A few things that may help others. One I probably missed in you text was to leave the shackle bolts slightly loose until the spring is fully mounted - on my first attempt, I needed to nudge the spring forwards a tad to get the bolt to line up and my zeal in tightening the rear shackle bolts prevented this.
As regard holding the rear of the spring down to insert the shackle bolts, my cable ties must be of a lesser quality than yours, so I used baling string (industrial strength).
When it came to fitting the two spacer washers, the outside one was easy enough to lodge on the end of the bolt while I moved the shackle into place. The inner one was a bit more tricky - I came up with the idea of using masking tape to hold on to the spacer and stop it falling into the void below the shackle:
Like your springs, mine were well past their best. Here is a picture of the off-side old spring compared to the new ones.
Like you, I got 4 leaf, 4 seater springs from Peter at Mulfab. A test drive shows a substantial improvement over a local road that I used to have to keep my speed well down on. Speed bumps no longer create a horrid crashing. Very pleased with the outcome.
Thank you again Mr W for your original post. Your G Cramp method worked perfectly.
