New Springs and Shocks?

[Rod1883]

As I posted on the 'What did you do with your Stag today' thread, I have started to notice a bit of a noise from the nearside/left side front suspension, and on inspection it seems that the spring is rubbing on the tower. I had this before - after (disappointingly) a well known and reputable Stag Specialist had replaced the front shock absorbers about 8 years ago but not refitted the spring in the correct orientation. I corrected this and all was fine. But now it's rubbing again - I suspect the spring (the original from new) is tired and has bowed a little.
The rubber gaiter on the shock that side is also very rucked up - the offside looks fine.

It would appear that I ought to fit new springs, and probably whilst doing it new shocks again.
Is this a straightforward job bearing in mind I don't have any specialist tools, or should I trust it to a (different) specialist?
The car is a completely standard 1974 model, and I would welcome thoughts on the best specification and source of the parts I should go for.

[sujitroy]

Is there an orientation for the spring? I rebuild a strut but don't recall the spring doing on a particular way. Also I used an impact wrench to remove the top nut holding the shock in place to the top mount.
Sujit

[Rod1883]

Yes Sujit - the front spring should be fitted so that, with the wheels straight ahead, the lower extremity is directly inboard of the assembly. As I understand it, the spring is designed to bow slightly under load and so this orientation ensures that the bowing spring does not foul the bodywork.
I know that there have been threads on this in the past - I used them when I had to rotate the spring to get it, and the bottom rubber insulator, positioned correctly a few years ago.

I've looked in the workshop ROM and my Haynes and Autobooks versions and it seems that special tools are needed to compress the spring and hold it whilst it is removed and the new one fitted, so it seems I might be best getting it done somewhere with the right kit.
If anyone has any advice on where to get the best parts, what parts to get so I have all the possible bits that might need replacing whilst it is all apart, and whether there is a safe 'home' solution to the special tools issue I would be grateful.......

Rod

[bullstarz]

Tool wise a good set of spring compressors and a vice.

If your going to do the whole front set up including shocks and want minimum of down time of the Stag off the road then get a spare pair of uprights.

That way you can take your time swapping out the old for new. All new bolts, nuts, bushes, mounts, shocks and springs. A plus side of this is when things don't go according to plan theres no rush. You can even send the uprights away for powder coating.

As for springs you could go for a progressive type, Standard, lowered or bespoke.

Shocks either standard, Gaz, Spax, Bilstein or custom one off's from the likes of Rennsport (https://rennsportfactory.co.uk/) Alternatively if you feeling brave go Air ride.

Springs souldn't bow, thats normal a sign of something worn/loose/broken.

[Stagdad]

By the time youve paid a garage to change everything if you went that route it might be cost efective to get the Chris witor struts with roller top mounts, springs and shocks. Think i may go that route next time. A quick swap job.

[bullstarz]

By the time youve paid a garage to change everything if you went that route it might be cost efective to get the Chris witor struts with roller top mounts, springs and shocks. Think i may go that route next time. A quick swap job.

Chris Witor , now someone is talking sense.

[Matt Cook]

I bought a pair of struts of eBay, stripped them and used these for exchange for a fully built set of roller tops from Chris Witor, changed both front struts, rear springs and shocks in a day. What a difference it has made, much more sure footed, goes round corners so we’ll. Turns out the original top bushes were seized, poor rack and pump must have been getting a really tough time of it.