I have had springs and shocks in and out of our '88 many times while
experimenting with different combinations.  The rear springs will come out
with a little wiggling after the shock is detached.  You absolutely need a
good spring compressor for the front.
If you use the manual kind that is cranked down with a wrench, save yourself
a lot of work by attaching the compressor before lifting the van off of the
ground.  This must cut off 25 turns on the compressor screw.

Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 11:18 AM
Subject: Spring Install

> Hi all,
>
> Does anyone know if the installation of springs and shocks on a 90 Carat
> would require "special VW tools" that the local generic tire & alignment
> store might not have?  They install shocks and springs on "normal" cars.
>
> Thanks,
> Michael Townsend
>