The proper spring compressor is the right way, especially with taller
springs and added shims. Without I find that removing the steering knuckle
to get things out of the way is real helpful. The let the bottom tube of the
shock go through the lower control arm so the arm hits the spring seat. Then
use a garage type jack (with a saddle) to lift the control arm by the outer
edge. This will give leverage and the arm will stabilize the shock so you
can jack things into position. Use a tube or something to guide the shock
stem through the hole and just get a nut and washer started. While doing
this you should have the lower control arm mount bolt loose so it can turn
with the arm. After this you can rework things to get that top rubber on
later. The lower mount should be tightened when the vehicle is back on the
ground so there is not twist in the rubber.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Zeitgeist
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 1:42 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: syncro spring removal without using spring compressor

Blast from the past alert...

So, I used Alistair's method to remove the front Syncro springs (and
everything else), but when I attempted to reinstall, the van got real
squirrely since it's not leveraging against the ground on the other side.
I can see how this can work if you're doing one side at a time, but is it
still possible to use the jack and strap method with the van up on stands?
Strikes me as somewhat suboptimal if I tip the van up and off its stands

On Thu, Jul 19, 2012 at 5:18 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:

> You guys on the syncro list were right :)
>
> It can be done.
>
>
> http://shufti.wordpress.com/2012/07/19/vanagon-syncro-front-spring-rem
> oval-without-spring-compressor/
>
>
> alistair
>

--
Casey