[suss1173]

Thanks to all the info in this post I was able to replaced my rear OEM springs today with new OEM springs. I did both in about 35-40 minutes.

I was able to undo the bottom of the shock and use a bar. For the reinstall it was easyest to get the top of the spring in first and then wiggle the bottom into place.

[roarf]

When I did the shocks and springs on my E36, I was doing the RTABs too so I had the RTAB carrier unbolted from the car. I think that helped a little too. My friend pushed on the trailing arm with his foot while I pulled the spring out.

[JDMRRS]

Get yourself a broomstick.

[bh1976]

Originally Posted by pjbm3

you don't need anything...remove wheel, unbolt bottom of rear shock, push down on rear rotor hat with your foot while holding onto the edge of the wheel well to get leverage, if the spring doesn't fall out by itself get someone to pull it out while you push down on the rotor...on reinstall, put the top rubber piece in the car first, push down on the rotor, put the new coil in, pull down on the rear shock until the holes line up and thread the bolt

I did this exactly.

[forzanerazzurri]

Is an alignment required after replacing the rear springs?

[silbul]

Is it necessary/recommended to disconnect the Xenon light level sensor on the right rear before attacking the right spring?

[drunk hal]

Originally Posted by forzanerazzurri

Is an alignment required after replacing the rear springs?

with stock? I probably wouldn't bother unless you haven't had an alignment in a while

Originally Posted by silbul

Is it necessary/recommended to disconnect the Xenon light level sensor on the right rear before attacking the right spring?

I never have and I've r&r'd rear springs several times.

I did finally forget to disconnect the leveling arm on the front passenger control arm last time and broke it

[5ABIVT]

I did the same. Both sides up in the air and both shocks unbolted. Springs just pulled out by hand :/