rear spring removal, spider

[LEN_LEEB@domain.elided]

     Peter Luxwolda asks:
     ...I have to remove the rear springs of my 1984 Spider, because one is 
     broken. According to the manuals a special tool is required to be able 
     to remove the bolt which is connecting the suspension arm to the rear 
     axle bracket.
     Is there a save way to do this without this tool? Can I just push up 
     the suspension arm with a jack untill the bolt can be removed and then 
     lower the suspession arm to release the spring pressure, with the car 
     supported on axle stands under the jacking points?...
     
     I have removed the rear axle assembly from my spider (82) with no 
     special tools, when I replaced the rear shocks and T-arm bushings. 
     First jack up the car and put it on jack stands. Then, using a floor 
     jack, jack up the trailing arm on one side to just take up some spring 
     pressure, to release the pressure on the mounting bolt. Slowly release 
     the jack's pressure, to allow the axle to rest on the retaining strap. 
     Do the other side in the same manner. When the axle is held by the 
     retaining straps, it has almost no spring pressure left. The trailing 
     arm will easily fall away. 
     When the axle is out is a great time to replace the T-arm bushings in 
     the rear. They can be purchased for a few dollars (USA Price) and the 
     labor to install is minimal at this point.
     Good luck,
     Len

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