85 Spider

[alfaboy85]

Okay so this is my first post here and I need some information before I keep moving along with my 85. I have already taken the engine and trans out to do a thorough cleaning and replace the clutch. So I figured with the engine out what better time to replace the suspension bushings, springs, and shocks. Now I know I need a special tool to remove the springs, aso do you guys know where to purchase that? Do you have any tips I shoudl know or links to tips? Also I cant seem to get the dipstick back into that rubber sleeve due to a rip in the rubber, does IAP sell a replacement? Are there any other projects I should tackle while the engine is out. Mind you this car has never recieved any kind of love in this sense so everything is from the factory. Thanks!

[Peter]

Welcome to the board. There have been several threads around spring removal.
Here's a good one with great information and pics:

Installing Front Spring (compression)

[alfaboy85]

Okay that works but how do i take the old ones off? Also any tips on the rusted hordware around the bushings? I've been spraying them with penetrant to prep for when i tackle them but is there something more i should know?

[Tifosi]

Same way as that thread describes AFA the threaded rod is concerned.

Just go slow and use caution and it'll be done in no time.

Rust around what bushings BTW?

[Joe Papa Sr]

Re the oil dipstick rubber connector with bracket, pull it all out, unscrew both bolts, remove rotted rubber, clean all metal with paint thinner, and dry, then get a 1/2" ID rubber black hose, at auto parts (if you ask for a sample-2", should be minimum or no charge), OD will be about what you will need, as OD's are usually relative to the ID. Put a dab of oil so dipstick tube will go in easy, and re connect. Rusted bolts....depends on how bad. Sometimes, penetrant is useless if the iron is fused .Springs, have no experience here.
Joe

[ghnl]

The best penetrant I've found for rusty nuts & bolts is "P B Blaster". I've also heard that "Kroil" is good but I've not used that product.

Don't bother with WD40. It doesn't work near as well the above.

While you are cleaning things in the engine bay remove the oil vapor separator (black cannister on the right inner fender) and soak it in solvent. If/when it plugs up with crud it will prevent the sump from being able to vent crankcase pressure. That can prevent the engine from running right &/or encourage oil leaks. Also check or replaqce the small diameter oil drain hose that goes from the separator to the base of the dip stick tube.

What condition is the radiator? A good 'old-fashioned' radiator shop can pressure test it and thoroughly clean it out internally.

Finally, motor mounts sag over time and deteriorate with exposure to oil. They are difficult to replace (especially the right side) with the engine in place & all assembled. Be aware that I have read reports of new mounts that are too soft (wrong type of rubber?).

[alfaboy85]

okay, so you use the threaded rods just backwards that makes sense. I've been using pb blaster since i had a vw beetle and yes that stuff works miracles. I guess what I'm asking is what bushings should be replaced, I mean IAP has the whole list and I wanna use the polyurethane wherever I can. I replaced the motor mounts with IAP's pirelli motor mounts. As for the seperator, i never thought of that and I will most definately do that. As for the radiator, as far as i can tell its all stock and I'll probably just get it pressure tested before I reinstall. I guess I'll just keep the questions coming though: What experiance do you have in increasing the rear sway bar diameter? I've been looking into after market rims but alfa's 4x108 pattern makes it difficult to find rims, any suggestions or links to threads that explain my options? I've been lookin into lug pattern converters but the thought of making the wheels look wider has me second guessing. And i'm not completely fakilar with the acronyms buts whats ID and OD?

[ghnl]

There is some controversy about poly bushings in the rear trailing arms. Someting about them being too stiff and actually making the handling worse. Try a search for opionions about that.

Before you spend too much on upgrading springs and sway bars, consider a 'chassis stiffener'. Those that have 'em say it made a big difference in handling.

[Zunige]

Quote:

Posted by alfaboy85 ...I guess what I'm asking is what bushings should be replaced, I mean IAP has the whole list and I wanna use the polyurethane wherever I can...

[alfaboy85]

So the whoel setup through RSR is 1200 pounds, my pound to dollar conversion is a little rusty, but that absolutely obliterates my budget because when i laid all the parts out form iap the bushings, springs, shocks, and larger rear sway bar would cost around $1300. I guess what i'm looking for in suspension is a sporty feel but track use doesn't matter because where i live theres no real option to use the car in a track setting(besides laguna seca but yeah right i'm gonna get on there). Is this just something I should call and tell the people at IAP or centerline and get an opinion from them, or are they just gonna push their product?

[Zunige]

Quote:

Posted by alfaboy85 ...or are they just gonna push their product?

[alfaboy85]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfaboy85 or are they just gonna push their product?

[gdpedersen]

Quote:

Posted by alfaboy85 Are there any other projects I should tackle while the engine is out.