Got myself a pair of these and have decided I would sort them out, but first i will need to work out how to take the springs off.

And while we are on the subject of suspension... the rear unit, are they held on by self locking nuts? because they are absolute sods to loosen.

its a shame your not local, as i could come and help with the selecta. to answer your questions the springs will need to be compressed (not an easy job), you can buy compressors from any good motor factor (about £15-£20). have a look in the haynes manual for how to take the rear springs off.

Tony M said:

And while we are on the subject of suspension... the rear unit, are they held on by self locking nuts? because they are absolute sods to loosen.

Click to expand...

The rear shock absorbers are held on with "nylock" self locking nuts.

When I swapped a pair over the biggest difficulty was the dirt and rust in the threads - clean off with a wire brush and soak with "plusgas" for a day or so.

One other thing about undoing awkward bits, in the last year or so I've had a few problems with rounding off very stiff nuts while trying to loosen them.
It turns out the sockets were a bit worn after quite a bit of use, and being a "double hexagon pattern" like these



didn't help either.

I've now got some hexagonal head (impact style) like these



and now shear the bolts instead, when impatient.

I am trying to take them off using drop forged C-spanners... i left them on in the end... they were definately winning.

when you come up to newcastle, i can help you fit the new shockers on the back, they are a pain to take off, but it can be done (with alot of swearing ).

Tony M said:

I am trying to take them off using drop forged C-spanners... i left them on in the end... they were definately winning.

Click to expand...

Skinned knuckles that way - no room.

Extension bar on the socket, and a nice "T" bar to turn it out of harms way is the way to go.