Henry J / Darrin front shock replacement

[324darrin]

Hi folks, It appears that the coil springs need to be removed in order to facilitate the extraction of the shock absorbers on Henry Js and Darrins. Also My rig has spring blocks (2) installed in each coil spring. I think this was an attempt to dampen the spring travel due to the installation of a V8 engine. I'm leaning toward removing those blocks. I can always reinstall them if necessary. thanks for your input. Steve

[Fid]

I don't know about the Darrin, but the front coils do not need to be removed to change the front shocks on Henry J.  I've done it many times.  When the nuts are removed, there's a "cup" on the bottom you can tilt out of the way and pull the shock down through the bottom.  Compress the new shock, slide it in till it clears the bottom, the tip the cup back into place and tighten the nuts.  I'll see if I can find a picture or two of when I did it last.


ADDENDUM: Found the pics.  Just remove the top and bottom nut from the shock, compress the shock a bit and tip the cup out from the bottom.  See pics of "cup" etc.

[324darrin]

Fid, thanks for the instructions on removing the front shock. As you mentioned, the spring will need to be compressed so as to not have pressure on the cup. It seems that  raising the chassis to the piont of the suspension hanging at the lowest point would be beneficial. I'll have to remove the spring blocks to compress. Maybe I don't even need them .  Steve

[Fid]

I didn't need to compress the spring. I just reached between the coils with a slip joint pliers and compressed the shock all the way. There were then adequate clearance to remove it.

[324darrin]

Thanks, will tackle it today with any luck. Steve

[324darrin]

Fid, Your instructions were spot on. I ran into some other issues with the lower A arms not taking grease so of course one thing led to another and pretty soon I had the lower suspension out of the car. Took advantage and blasted and repainted all parts. Looks like new now and with the new shocks should ride like new as well. Again, many thanks, Steve

[Fid]

Glad to hear (read) it worked for you.  Congrats on a job well done!