Lowering VT, Trouble removing rear springs!

[Cúl-Báire]

Yeah I know there is hundreds of threads about lowering VT's but I am struggling to find an answer to what I want to know...

So today I tired using the tired and true method of spring clamps to compress the rear springs in order to remove them, and replace them with the Superlow springs I have (I used the how to on this site). But I can not for the life of me get the spring off it's seat and out. The spring is loose but there just isn't enough clearance to get it over (under?) the lug mounted on the body that holds them in position. I tried putting weight on the axle, but it feels like the rear shock is topping out.

So my question, what other methods are there of getting the rear springs out? Will dropping the shock out make a difference (making the rear end unsupported), and if so should this be done from the top or bottom of the shock?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Cúl-Báire]

Well found my answer on Google, which Googled me back to here coincidentally enough!

[jay_wr8]

undoing the bottom of the shock will help, i undid mine when i changed my rear springs
you might need to compress the spring more too

[bandit10]

IRS rear ends are easy to change the springs, all you have to do is undo the shock mount bolt, then undo the 2 rear bolts holding the diff/cradle to the chassis, the whole diff cradle will drop down a good few inches and out will pop the springs. If you try and force the hub down with out undoing the cradle bolts you will rip the cv boots on the drive shafts.

[kniever]

make sure you put b4 and after shots in ya thread

[Macca86]

make sure you put b4 and after shots in ya thread

Indeed! As im looking at putting the same springs in mine! Lol. Are you just using the stock shocks with the superlows or are you replacing the shocks as well?

[WAGON MAN]

Try releasing the handbrake.....

[Cúl-Báire]

Indeed! As im looking at putting the same springs in mine! Lol. Are you just using the stock shocks with the superlows or are you replacing the shocks as well?

I'll be sure to update the pictures... I am just changing out the springs, the rear shocks were replaced with some stiffer aftermarket shocks when I brought it.
Front struts could do with replacing, but this will come later on!

Wagon Man, handbrake was released!

[Cúl-Báire]

Pics in my ride thread!

[VT.man]

hey mate, just wondering are you usuing stock shocks or aftermarket ones?

[SSINZ]

make sure the cars either in reverse or neutral and release the handbrake!!!! it will drop lower

[Cúl-Báire]

hey mate, just wondering are you usuing stock shocks or aftermarket ones?

Hey mate, I am using FE2 gas shocks in the rear, apparently they are the more expensive of the two available from Holden.
In the front I am using Boge lowered struts.