Jim wrote,
"I've never replaced one before and it doesn't seem like it should be
that difficult. But I recall someone here grumbling about how tough
it is. Is it really a difficult job? Does it require any special
tools? Are there any tricks I should know? (I recall that someone
said one trick was to install them before removing a binding strap,
or something.)"
Well Jim,
This is one of the first jobs I had to do on my car when I bought it back
in 1987 (along with replacing the shock mounts and inner rear fenders). If
you like to work on your car then this is the job for you! You have to
remove the wheels, the brakes, and then pull the hubs apart (special tool
is required for this which I can loan to you or you can purchase a new
design one from someone on the NASS list). The axles and stub axles have
to be separated from the donut also.
There are tools shown in the Bently manual that hold the rear of the car up
using the spring and I highly suggest fabricating these also. When it goes
back together you keep the straps on the donuts in place until the job is
finished. Cut the straps last. Note that this would be a good winter
project.
You might as well replace all the suspension bushings and hardware while
you are at it because you will not want to go back and do it again later!
The lower pivots for the A arm on the vertical link tend to fuse (bolt
seizes to the steel spacers). When I did mine I replaced the steel spacers
with bronze bushings.
The other issue at this point in time is the availability of quality rubber
donuts. The good ones were manufactured by or were called "Metallastic" or
something like that and are no longer available as I understand it. There
are people replacing these donuts with CV joints but this is a big
undertaking.
Good Luck
Kevin Dalton
70 GT6+
(2) 73 Spitfires
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