That's the way it was done ..if the bushings can't take the little bit of weight from hanging then i don't know how they take the pounds per square inch that they must endure when the wheel assembly strikes even minor holes in the road bed at speeds up to 80..90 mph. I'd be curious to see an engineer do the calculations. Some how I don't think it would be a yikes conslusion.

On these cars the strut acts as the spring stop so by letting the bushings hold the spring, you are stretching them more than they normally would. It was this point I was referring to - the total stretch - not the force.

I know that they WILL hold the spring in place (at least in some circumstances) because I have been in your shoes and also seen what you've described.

Still finding it hard to believe that this can be done at all.

With no spring or strut in there, you can rotate those arms way down.
When I had a balljoint pop-out of its socket (similar to pulling the strut), the spring shoved the arm way past normal travel.

The only thing holding against the spring in this scenario would be the clamping force of the eccentric bolts, which is not much, or the arms would not move up either.

csnow,

Rubber flexing is what moves the control arms once the eccentric cams are tight. The cam bolts don't have much to do with it unless they are loose. I've seen with good condition bushings the control arm hold the spring. Its possible. Just puts a lot of load on the bushing. Normally the strut is the spring stop which prevents the bushings from deflecting that far.

the travel was so negligable once the wheel was hanging that there was no measurable downward force to be a problem..maybe just my car but it was very easy and there was no real issue at all.

Ok then. If it held, it held.

Just wanted to write one last time to advise strongly against taking this needless risk to any reader who might be considering it. Jackstands are cheap, healthcare is expensive.

I agree. Its not recommended to change the strut without a spring compressor or jackstands.

I think I'll be safe (enough)using both a jack and the jackstands under there for now...I should borrow another KLANN spring compressor again and be super safe but I won't this time.

I'm glad I asked for opinions...thanx y'all.:)

My vote:

Jack stand=essential
Spring compressor=totally optional (as stated before-just be careful, and apply common sense.)

Nobody is disagreeing about the jack stands...at all..we are discussing the need to compress the springs

if the wheel and spring assembly is going to let loose under full extension perhaps I should be shopping for a Chevrolet. The jack handles it great. Very low foot pounds of pressure to raise it to a proper mount.

LOL

Way to raise an 8 year old thread about almost killing yourself, and still the same attitude. It's surprising you've made it this long! ;)

In case of sudden release of the strut without having a support under the control arm.
The spring will not pop out - it's too long - ask me how I know.
What does happen is that the ball joint and rubbers on the stabiliser bar get damaged.

why would you suddently release it..the jack is already under it. if you "SUDDENLY" took the crossmember out from under the engine you would crush the mechanic under the car who was too stupid to stabilize the job. What have we learned...Don't suddenly release anything that is not supposed to be suddenly released

By the way I didn't raise it. I got an Email on the subject....and thanks for the analgy on my longevity. You must be qualified to make that determination....are you going to send me a bill now