Changing front springs. What's involved?

[WRX_weekender]

What's involved changing the front springs on a vanagon (1985)? I have a set I want to install, but would like to know how much of the suspension has to be disassembled to get them out before I start.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Christopher Schimke]

Check out the pictures here:

http://www.gimme-gimme.co.uk/misc/lowering/

I did mine similarly except I didn't use a spring compressor. Instead, I removed the caliper from the upright (which entails removing the large upper ball joint nut but you dont have to break the joint free of the upright) and I disconnected the anti-roll bar. This allowed the lower control arm to swing down enough to let the springs just slide out.[/list]
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[joetiger]

That works if you're lowering, because the new springs don't need as much space between the control arms. But if you're putting in springs the same size or only slightly shorter, you run into problems without the spring compressors.

I ended up having to disconnect the entire lower control arm to get the new spring in, then had to jack the lower control arm back in, with very little control, and try to line up the inner control arm sleeve on the bracket welded to the body. I did this all with my left foot while laid out on my back under the front of the van, holding the jack steady with my hand. Once I got the holes lined up, I pushed the bolt through with my other foot. Then I did the same thing on the other side.

This was on a gravel surface, in the rain. Actually it sounds quite preposterous now that I actually write it out. I should have died and don't recommend it.

But the springs work really well!

Oh--replace all your bushings, tie rods, ball joints, etc. while you're in there.
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'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'91 Wolfsburg Carat "Barchetta"
'02 Baja-ish Beetle "Bubbles"

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[WRX_weekender]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I think I'll borrow spring compressors.

Bryan

[Vanagon Nut]

[Altoona]

I wouldn't want to try it without a spring compressor.

Local autoparts stores often have rental/borrow tools like that.

[AlfromNH]

You want the spring compressor that has the “horseshoe” shaped spring holders, not the ones with just fingers gripping the spring. There’s a LOT of force being compressed. BTDT
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‘88 2wd Auto Westy project

[Vanagon Nut]