Help:2002 MK4 TDI Jetta Rear Coil Spring Install

[HyperMPG]

Greetings,
I started replacing both broken rear coil springs. Have car jacked up and have removed the bottom shock bolt and removed the broke coil spring on rear passenger side.
My problem is that I can not get the support assembly to drop down enough to get the new spring in place.
Is the resistance due to the shock and spring still intact on the opposite rear drivers side?
Will I be able to drop the whole assembly down more if I jack and undo the other side bottom shock bolt? I am working by myself and I am struggling pushing down enough and trying to pry the new coil spring in place at the same time.
TIA for any advice.

 

[flee]

A cheap HF spring compressor will do the trick.
Labor Day Weekend Sale, too!

 

[tdi'd]

A pry bar will also work. Use the shock mount on the bottom as a fulcrum, pull down and pull the spring out. You might also be able to maneuver the pry bar underneath the spring, using the spring as the fulcrum. If you don’t have an extra set of the spring bushing be mindful not to mangle that in the process.


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[HyperMPG]

Thanks Flee, No HF around here, had to McGyver it. Got a small scissor jack between the top of the a frame and main frame and was able to get the space I needed to get the spring in place. The other side will go quicker.

 

[Herm TDI]

With the car on jack stands ...
disconnect both of the lower shock mounts from the axle.
Both springs will fall out.
Place your new spring into either the left or right spring perch (remember to install the upper spring rubber isolaters)
Use a small floor jack to compress the spring perch and install the lower shock bolt.

Helpful tip....
loosen both upper shock screws to give you a little more slack (length) in the shock.