Question on Shock Replacement Technique

[rs899]

I have the driveshaft out of the 240D with a new center support bearing on and flexdisks ready to go back on this morning.

I have four Bilsteins I want to try to put on the car today as well. My question is- is it necessary to support the lower control arm (front and rear) when you are pulling/installing shocks. The shop manual seems to indicate this but it would make life much easier if I didn't (because I have a two-post lift!). However- I don't want to end up with a spring through my chest....

Rick

[MikeTangas]

I have never done shocks on a 2 post lift, have always done them with the car on the ground, or at least on ramps.

With the car in the air, you might want to support the rear suspension. The front suspension should be fully captured between the upper and lower control arms.

[rs899]

I put the shocks on- what a difference a new set of Bilsteins makes over a ten year old set of Sears' finest. For safety's sake I did stick a jack under each lower arm in turn. I sincerely doubt that that was the way the jock at Sears did it the last time, though...
Rick