Suspension changes - how much easier with a pit?

[Newbers]

I'm slowly getting all my new bits and pieces together:

Front control arm bushes (Meyle HD)
Front anti-roll bar bushes (Powerflex)
Front top strut mounting (Meyle)
Rear trailing arm bushes (Meyle HD)
Rear trailing arm bush limiters (PSB)
Rear top shock mounting (Meyle HD. I do have some Powerflex ones but I'm not sure I'm ready for them...)
Springs & shocks (likely to be KW)

To those that have done this lot - how much easier would it be to do it from a pit? I could use a pit at my parent's house but it would be a pain to coordinate etc. The alternative is to use a combination of trolley jack + axle stands (I was toying with the idea of getting another trolley jack too and possibly some ramps).

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Only thing a pit would be useful for is the ARBs, they don't take long to swap.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm slowly getting all my new bits and pieces together:

Front control arm bushes (Meyle HD)
Front anti-roll bar bushes (Powerflex)
Front top strut mounting (Meyle)
Rear trailing arm bushes (Meyle HD)
Rear trailing arm bush limiters (PSB)
Rear top shock mounting (Meyle HD. I do have some Powerflex ones but I'm not sure I'm ready for them...)
Springs & shocks (likely to be KW)

To those that have done this lot - how much easier would it be to do it from a pit? I could use a pit at my parent's house but it would be a pain to coordinate etc. The alternative is to use a combination of trolley jack + axle stands (I was toying with the idea of getting another trolley jack too and possibly some ramps).

I replaced all of my front parts not so long ago at a car club I go to. First week I did it up on the ramp, but second week I did the other side on the ground with axel stands and it was FAR easier.

 

[Newbers]

Cheers guys, that's encouraging - there would be a lot of hassle associated with having to clear out my dad's garage etc......

 

[Fishy Dave]

I've just bought this monster http://www.sgs-engineering.com/garage-equipment/trolley-jacks/tjh15-professional-long-chassis-trolley-jack
Together with chocks and tall axle stands it will give loads of clearance under a car. Mine arrived yesterday, it is very heavy and sturdy, with the 1.5 ton rating due to the range of the height. Comments in the feedback show people are lifting Transits and Sprinters up with them (importantly at one end)!

 

[Fishy Dave]

Oh and I changed my RTABs and fitted limiters on a 2 post lift which was really easy, I would imagine a 4 post or a pit could be more difficult.

 

[Newbers]

I managed to get about half of what I was hoping to, done today:

KW Springs & shocks - Done
Rear top shock mounting (Meyle HD) - Done
Front top strut mounting (Meyle) - Done

I had a lot of trouble getting the ARB links off and ended up having to grind an old bicycle pedal spanner to stop the shaft at the back rotating.
Also struggled to get the nuts on the top of the front shocks (inside the top mounts tightened down. I don't have a deep 22mm ring spanner. I've seen pictures of a special socket but I can't seem to find anyone that sells them.

I made some low ramps so I could get the car reasonably level to work on and my jacking tool http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=96784&hilit=jack+jack was brilliant.

I'm not to daunted by the rear trailing arm bushes and limiters (hopefully I can get the bushes out OK). But I'm really not sure about doing the front control arm bushes. I'll need to get the car a lot higher than I can with my 2 tonne trolley jack.

I think I'll bite the bullet and put it over the pit at my dads or more likely get my local indy to do it.

I notice my rear ARB bushes look knackered so I'll order some of them too.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

For the top nut you want something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182032402218

 

[Newbers]

I think I'd struggle with those as the KW has a 10mm hex on the top of the shaft (with a tiny allen bolt in the centre for adjusting the rebound). I think the answer is either a box spanner held in mole grips or something with a socket down the middle or I just might get it with a deep 22mm ring spanner. These jobs are so much easier when you have the right tools.....

 

[Newbers]

I borrowed an impact gun in the end to sort out the nuts on the top mounts which made life very easy. I know you're not supposed to but I'm pretty sure it'll be OK.