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Posted by: Cheapsnake Oct 31 2010, 03:22 PM

Can't put it off any longer...gotta install my trunk springs. Knowing what they did when I removed them, I've got great respect for their potential to do bodily harm. Nevertheless, I'm at a loss for an installation procedure. Pelican parts has a procedure that involves fabbing a tool out of 2" round stock - lots of machine work.

If it comes down to that, I suppose I could do it, but I suspect some inventive soul out there has an ingeniously simple solution that they'd like to share. Anybody? Thanks.

Tom

Posted by: abayer1969 Oct 31 2010, 03:23 PM

Posted by: arkitect Oct 31 2010, 03:34 PM

I replaced the white plastic wheels with Pelican's brass wheels, but the motor and tranny were out which allowed me to be in the engine compartment replacing them.

The method I used was to tie the rod back with a ratcheting tie strap to get some pressure off it, then I used a small pipe, the one with my small 2 ton hydraulic jack and fit it over the end of the rod. With the help of my son I pushed it down in place while he put the nut on. I also found that there is more room on the end of the rod if you half close the trunk. It deffinitely helped with the extra person. Probably hard to picture, but basically one end of the rod was installed and had to torque the other in place. Can't believe how much force is on the rods.

Dave

Posted by: Jeffs9146 Oct 31 2010, 03:42 PM

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=1547&hl=

Posted by: rohar Oct 31 2010, 04:21 PM

Go hydraulic. Cheaper than a trip to the seamstress at the ER.

http://www.camp914.com/products/shox.html

Posted by: scotty b Oct 31 2010, 04:38 PM

Factory tool. Make one, it's easy


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Posted by: Cheapsnake Oct 31 2010, 04:43 PM

Dave, where did you use the ratcheting tie strap?

Dave, Jeff, did you secure the end at the hinge first and then work the other end or vice versa? Thanks.

Tom

Posted by: Cheapsnake Oct 31 2010, 04:49 PM

Looks like a cool tool, but can't for the life of me figure out that second pic with the chains.

Tom

Posted by: gothspeed Oct 31 2010, 05:55 PM

I used the 'box end' of a standard wrench to go around the end of the spring/torsion bar. If you don't let the trunk all the way up, there will be enough of the bar exposed to put the wrench on.

Posted by: windforfun Oct 31 2010, 07:09 PM

George at AA has a simple procedure for this. George?

Posted by: Mikey914 Nov 1 2010, 09:59 AM

This is the method I used, it was pretty simple and and not inherently dangerous. Took me about 10 min tops.


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Posted by: Jeffs9146 Nov 1 2010, 03:37 PM

I am not sure what that question is asking??

Like what Gothspeed said you can put the trunk at a comfortable level, slip the cut end of the wrench on the bar and push it forward. It helps to slide a socket with an extension over the end of the bar and use that to hold it as you slide the wrench farther onto the bar! It is quite simple once you have the tools in place!

You can do either bar first!

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=39320

Posted by: underthetire Nov 1 2010, 04:19 PM

I used a socket extension and a small deep socket on the end of the bar. Was a piece of cake.

Posted by: Drums66 Nov 1 2010, 04:29 PM

...Be very careful

Posted by: r_towle Nov 1 2010, 04:40 PM

6 inch extension and a deep 10mm socket.
slip it over the end and you can then control the spring with zero drama.
You need to bend it down beside the pulley, then move it over and if you are on the socket...just wiggle the socket out...simple.
the other end needs to be bolted down tight.

Rich

Posted by: SLITS Nov 1 2010, 05:46 PM

easiest .... cut the suckers out and replace them with gas shocks.

No more hinge pivots pulling out or hinge bolts breaking.

Posted by: cooltimes Nov 1 2010, 06:21 PM

Use this link which is a short paragraph instruction with a photo showing how. one of the most crafty 914 buds I ever had did his rear lid and BTW he still has all his fingers.

http://members.rennlist.com/chuxter/HoodSpringTool.htm

MikeCool