Rear spring replacement

[txSteve]

I am trying to replace the rear springs. I got the passenger side rear spring removed with a lot of effort. The driver side is being even more stubborn. The difficulty I had in both spots was clearance to actually get the spring and shock out.

I have used spring compressors, but as I cannot get them on opposite sides due to the tight fit what ends up happening is that that spring bends more than compresses (it bends on the accessible side, but not on the "back" side). Surely I am doing something wrong. Additionally, even though I compress shock, its top is still well inside that well.

I noticed in the shop manual it discusses disconnecting the drive shaft in order to perform a "rear suspension removal" (443.05). I wonder if I need to do that in order to get the rear axle to drop down further? That would obviously give me some more clearance.

[So Cal Mark]

put a jack under the diff and lower the rear axle down to remove the springs, no compressor is required that way. You may have to disconnect the center brake hose with this method though

[txSteve]

Thanks for the reply Mark. Just to be sure I am clear...

You mean to put a jack under the diff, disconnect the drive shaft and then lower the rear axle by lowering the jack, right? I need to support the drive shaft with something too I assume?

P.S. Just got my alternator!

[124JOE]

when i changed my rear shocks
i unbolted the shock "one at a time"and lifted the car untill the center brake line was tight
then the spring fell out of its upper cup.i had the shock unbolted top and bottom,i lifted the spring and pulled the bottom out.stock srings "not cut"
no i didnt disconnect the drive shaft or the brake line

[txSteve]

My rear end wont drop that low. Sorry I work out

[ChrisSRT]

once you have the rear axle hanging as discribed, if you still can't get the spring out, just jack up one side of the axle at a time and pull the spring out of the other side. Make sure you have unbolted the shocks first, and watch you toes. When I did mine this way they just fell out.

[txSteve]

Thanks. I got them out eventually. Luckily the new springs are shorter is all I can say