[zoukshin]

[EDIT] this should probably be moved to N00b Talk ... spotted it afterwards

To get started, I have some knowledge of mechanics (and electronics, electricity, woodworking and general stuff-fixing) but am quite new to big bolts and heavy springs. So be nice.

It started with a simple wish: getting my 04'GV lifted. Went for the 2" dobinsons kit.
Got some tools and a friend to help.
Read a LOT about the operation on these forums. Was prepared. or was I ...

My GV was previously fitted with super-stiff springs and lovells shocks (discovered that during the swap) and it required quite a bit of flex to get the old springs out and the new ones in.
We had some tools. But not a garage. It took us 5 hours to do the front wheels only.
During that time, I managed to flex the front left cv a bit too much and it popped ... impossible to put it back. We had to open it to re-fit it. That means removing the CV entirely from both ends (unbolt from the transmission coupler off the diff) ... time-consuming and risky operation.
But, we managed to put it all back together. And re-seal it (will have to check that again just in case)
Still have to adjust the camber a bit and replace a washer that went missing when re-assembling the sway bar (is it ?) to the lower arms.
And, still have to do the rear.

Overall, I did learn a lot of things (that was the objective, along with saving some $$$) but I also see why it's a not such a bad idea to pay someone with tools and all the setup to do it.
Essential things that are needed (I learned)
- space (well lit, sheltered from elements) -> couldn't find one, Did it outside and finished with a torch at 8PM
- tools (jacks, spanners, torque wrench) -> had some. Picked up a 12v portable impact wrench that helped a lot but still a far cry from the real deal
- time -> really thought 5 hours would be enough to do all of it. nope.
- more tools, ie spring compressors -> only ones we found seemed decent but became clearly bent when compressing, denting the paint of the springs. did the job but ...
- experience -> had some (friend is a mech) but can never have too much

Conclusion, I was prepared but ... stuff happens.

I still have to do the back. Any advice on this ? I was told the front is probably the most painful. Looking back at it, even the front struts top bolts went away easy enough with that electric imapct wrench.
Do you guys think I can manage the back by myself ? or should I expect more trouble ? ( I will have a look anyways)
Anything specific to look out for ?

PS: be nice to the noob, I only want to learn and I did, a lot.

[droverdave]

Sounds like you did a good job on the fronts, i cant see why youd have any dramas with the other end?

as for the spring compressors. Did they look like this?

http://media.supercheapauto.com.au/sca/images/12548.jpg

I have a set of them, i cant seem to break them. I even left them in the rain for months, they were seized up, a bit of WD40 and some engine oil, and they were back in action.

[zoukshin]

thanks !

Repco version, but pretty much identical. stanley brand (which I've used for other work, seem ok)

My worries for teh back came from
1/ the unknown
2/ the woes from the front
3/ the fear that I may have to push quite a bit to get those springs in

[atari4x4]

rear is easy:

remove top shock bolt, then bottom shock bolt, compress shock by hand & remove

crack wheel nuts

jack car up from under the diff centre

axle stands under the chassis rails just infront of the back wheels

remove wheels

slowly lower jack & the diff will come down far enough to remove the old ones

fit new springs (might have to lower jack a bit more) or just push down on the axle to make enough room

fit new shock to the lower mount & feed back up into the top mount while jacking the axle back up

fit top shock nut, washers & bushes

fit wheels back on

remove axle stands

lower off jack

do up wheel nuts & the shock bolts top & bottom

drink beer

[zoukshin]

I'll have to check those steps when I actually start.
I'd thought I'd pop the wheels before touching the shock, sounds interesting to do it your way.
any specific reason why you'd keep the wheels on for bolting/unbolting the shocks ?
Looking forward to the last step

Thanks !

[royce]

Shocks are very straightforward to get out while the car is still sitting on the ground, also less steps where you are under it on stands

[zoukshin]

am sold.

[atari4x4]

I find that they're less likely to spin the shock when they're compressed with the weight of the car on it so it makes it easier to undo.

[zoukshin]

Yeah makes sense. Thanks for the tip.

[alexxx]

Sounds like Gus has done that a few times.

[zoukshin]

An update with pictures ! Took me 1.5 hours, all by myself. The rear was so much easier !!

[zoukshin]

By the way, beer was had.

[atari4x4]

job done

[zoukshin]

Back from a trip to Fraser where I gave Tara a good workout.
Man, these new shocks and springs did a great job.
Go Dobinsons, they really improved the ride and clearance a whole lot more than stock. I was told it would be so, but now I can confirm it !
Need some bigger rubber now. Am thinkiing 225/75r16