Front shock replacement and new bushingS

[Rep007]

Purchased rebuilt front shocks for my 66 Midget, MK II. While all apart, planning to replace the lower A-arm bushings also. Should I replace the front shocks first, then the A-arm bushings, or vice versa? I understand I need to support the lower A-arm when the shock is removed as to not to strain the steering equip. Any insights or more details? Leyland workshop manual I own is pretty generic as to how to proceed. I am not a real mechanic pro, but am more than mechanically inclined and have just enough tools to be dangerous to myself and the car. Any insight as to how to proceed appreciated. Have searched for a prior thread to no avail, so sorry if this is a repeat. Brian

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I think you'll need to remove the springs to replace the A-arm bushings (it seems like it would be VERY difficult to do it otherwise). Do you have a repair manual? It is a good investment. You might want to consider a full suspension rebuild if you are going through the trouble to replace those A-arm bushings.

 

[Steve P.]

If I were you, while you've got it apart, I'd change all of the bushings. The only hard part is taking out the old ones (often stuck). Just did this on my Bugeye. You should remove the front spring to replace the shocks. The method I use (shade tree technique) is to place the car on jack stands, put a floor jack under the A-arm and wrap a HEAVY chain over the top of the suspension and through the frame of the floor jack. By pumping up the floor jack, you will compress the spring allowing you to unbolt the shock. When you remove pressure from the floor jack, the lower A-arm will swing down allowing you to remove the spring. Be VERY careful doing this....there's a lot of kinetic force in those springs! I've used this technique on everything from
my Bugeye to Corvettes. Much easier and safer than spring compressors IMO.

 

[Rep007]

Replaced the front shocks and upper bushings today. Simple and straight forward process. Opted against replacing the lower A-arm bushings at this time as this would be a more complex procedure. Car feels signficantly tighter...