I did my shocks ('81) no need for spring compressor. Springs stay in.

And not that you asked but.....

If installing Bilstiens, you need a proper sized hex key to keep the
top stud of front shock(s) from turning when tightening the nut. This
key has to be short enough to fit.

Neil.

On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 6:12 AM, Cecil Eastman <ckelmo1@comcast.net> wrote:
> As I prepare to replace the shocks for the first time (on any vehicle, for me) I'm asking anyone who might know anything about it.  In so doing, I spoke to my wife's cousin, a professional mechanic (not necessarily VW), who said I would need spring compressors or else risk life and limb when the shock comes loose and the spring goes boing.
>
> Is this true?  I was referred to this site, http://volksweb.relitech.com/frshocks.htm, by someone from the list and it doesn't say anything about compressors.
>
> Interested in keeping this body whole,
> Cecil
> '85 Westy
> "Der BrotKasten"
>

--
Neil Nicholson '81 JettaWesty "Jaco
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/