Date:         Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:49:52 -0600
Reply-To:     Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Fwd: Rear Coils Spring Removal
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Begin forwarded message:

> On Mar 25, 2012, at 11:48 AM, J Stewart wrote:
> 
>> Basically, how? External spring compressor I bought at Auto Zone won't compress the springs nearly enough. Trying to install the spacers to boost rear height just a bit. Checked Bentley and found nothing. TIA, Jeff
> 
> If, as Alistair says, you have removed the bottom shock bolt, AND taken the emergency brake OFF, you will have much more than enough room to remove that spring.

By the way, I sometimes have to use a large flat-blade screw driver under the bottom of the spring to lever it loose, or on the top of the spring.
They can get "stubborn" after supporting the van for a long time, but the trailing arm drop is going to take care of most of that. If the spring is
a little stubborn going back in with the spacers in place, with the spring pushed up as far as you can get it and the bottom "started" against
the trailing arm, use a hammer to influence the spring to seat on the trailing arm.
bob