working on my rear end ( that sounds bad )

[strawhouse]

Looking for an estimate on how long it would take to replacing the rear springs and shocks on a 88 doka? How long did it take you?
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Pacifist with a gun

[Beetsport]

Does not take that long. "Book time" calls for 2.8 hrs. but you can probably get it done in under that.

The fronts are a much different story..
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'90 Syncro Westy 1.8T with 180hp 174 torque, CA safe!
http://H2oVanagon.com
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=217285

[j_dirge]

No need to rush it.

I think I allowed a morning to do one side (and to figure it all out cuz I'm no crack mechanic).. And then I did the other side in less than one-half that time. Had the rest of the afternoon to ponder bigger projects.

Remove wheel.
Remove shock.
Jack the vehicle such that you can fully extend the swing arm. Fully extend! Push that sucker down.

Old spring comes out with a little gentle persuasion and a large screw drive/small pry bar.
I did not need spring compressors.. In fact, they looked to be a liability in this case. (Others may disagree.. but I would not have been able to remove or replace the spring with compressors in place on the spring.)

Good time to look at your CV boots.. and check the CV bolt heads.
For some reason, mine had two different style bolts on one CV.. hmm (make note to buy all new bolts when its time to repack CVs)

Good time to clean the spring pads.. top and bottom. Spray a little paint on those bare metal spots

If the pads are toast, make a note to get new ones.. Mine were worn thru in places, which explains the creaking noises from the rear that started up a couple yrs back. I have "new" ones now.. unfortunately, I did not have them when I replaced the springs.. Oh well.. next time.

Pop new springs in.. make sure they are seated properly in the pads' grooves.
Replace shock.. jack the swing arm as necessary to bolt shock in place.

Replace wheel...

Take a short drive around the block to make sure its in there properly.

Overall.
Less than one weekend day, including coffee, donuts, then lunch, and an afternoon trip to the park with the kids.
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-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.

-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5

[syncrodoka]

Yup, once the shock is unbolted and the trailing arm pushed down the spring will come right out. They won't be under any pressure and sometimes fall right out. Good luck.

[pete000]

Easy job as long as the bolts are not rusted tight.
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1990 Vanagon
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Koni Shocks
Witech Springs
Addco Sway Bars Front-Rear
OEM Porsche Wheels
Recaro Power-Heated seats
JL Audio, Kenwood, Soundstream, MB Quart, Audiocontrol