Hello Peter,
Yes it can be done with care like that, it's how I did it. My trolley jack lifting face is cupped and so holds things in place. The spring will come out like that (with a bit of a twang) but I couldn't get it back in so had to compress it. I found it's easier to use three or four slim webbing straps (Halfords type luggage ones. Let the spring extend, feed these in, compress the spring with the jack, tighten the straps, let the jack down again and away you go. This way you are using the weight of the car to compress the spring. I also used the jack to re-assemble. I'd say either way is good and Daves is a bit safer. Using my method I had both sides done in a day but then I'm too impatient for painting!
Regards
Dave,
perfect documented! I never have done this job, but anyway a question/idea:
It should be possible to release the tension of both springs without using compressors.
1. To loosen the both bolts of the bottom plate (not the central nut!)
2. To put a jack (in a secure way) under the lower central nut/bottom plate and lift slightly
3. Step by step loosening the upper kingpin bolt and at the same time lowering the jack till the tension is released.
Assembling in a reverse way.
Looks simple and reliable (no use of compressors and threaded rods), but there might be some obstacles, as I did not try this method.
Peter
