(T) Changing suspension springs

I'm ordering some lowering springs, and I wanted to know how difficult it is to change them myself. I know I'd need a spring compressor, but apart from that would I need anything else other than the new springs?

Clarky, had they sent me the right springs I would have done the job easy but I nearly lost a leg when the compressor slipped and the spring went boing. I would get a drill and the right socket to make the job easier. If you need a compressor set let me know and I will send you mine. I would suggest two pairs though to be safe.

So, its just a case of compressing the old spring, whipping it out, then compressing the new one (with the old rubber boot attached) and releasing it into the mounts? It's just the tension of the spring that holds it in, right?

Bang on. Theres a guide somewhere (guides section?) that explains in detail but your abridged version covers it all I guess.

Isn't the front spring actually threaded over the shocker? Would I need to whip them off too?

yeah,
the front you'll have to remove the whole suspension leg complete then strip it down switching the springs over.

Is it difficult to remove the whole leg?

Not if you've got at least some mechanical knowledge and the tools for the job.
If you're a complete novice, i'd say leave it for safety's sake. If you have a go make sure you use a torque wrench to tighten everything up the correct amount.
Elearn is good for step by step instructions like haynes manual if there isn't a guide on here somewhere.

Some garages will do all 4 for about £100, worth ringing around if you're not too confident.
good luck

I'll give my mate's mate a ring...fully qualified mech with his own tools...weekend work and he charges £10 an hour for labour...plus as much tea as he can drink lol.

Sounds ideal,
He'll probably have the whole car done in an hour with a grease monkey to help.
rears are piece of P*%s, 20 mins tops, then just the fronts

Enjoy thr better handling

won't need a monkey, he'll have me lol! Wish it was something I could do myself...I'm doing the new brakes myself, and I'll be doing the strut braces myself when I get them.

If it helps I've swapped springs a couple of times previously. It can be a real arse of a job depending on how corroded things are.

Decent spring compressors are a must. I have springs jump out on more than one occasion and they really hurt when they clout you.

Use plenty of penetrating oil to soak the nuts (fnar fnar).

I used to jack it/remove wheel then compress the spring (using two pairs of compressors if possible). Unbolt it at the bottom, then unbolt the top. Lift out (can be hard getting past the hubs on some cars).

It says something that due to apathy/time I paid someone to do my Stilo.

Silly really as it's by far the newest (and therefore easiest to work on) car I've swapped the springs on...........

The rears are really easy, it might be worth jacking the car up in the middle and doing both of them at the same time...

Don't forget to slap on loads of grease on those bushes...