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Suspension rebuild on a 1995 Saab 900 turbo convertible.
09.05.2006
Car on jack stands

The front end on jack stands. Suspension work begins. The hood shocks don't work, so I'm using a broom as a prop rod. The wheels and the axle nuts come off first.
09.05.2006
Ball joint separator

This is a proper ball joint and tie-rod end separator. It's fast and clean, and it doesn't damage the boots like the fork-type separators do.
09.05.2006
Disconnected

Everything is disconnected: the ABS sensor, the tie-rod end and the brake line (the car will get stainless braided lines).
09.05.2006
Strut down

The struts removed. I have a pair of rebuilt struts to replace these, together with the new style suspension arms. The bottle is there to catch the brake fluid dripping from the disconnected line.
13.05.2006
Soft top raised

The rear shock tops on the convertible are very hard to reach. You need to partially raise the top. I suspended it to the upped deck in the garage.
13.05.2006
Rear shock nut

With both top and tonneau cover raised, lift the trim near the trunk lid corners and reach down through three layers of fabric to access the shock tower tops.
13.05.2006
Rear axle

When the shocks are disconnected from the car, the rear axle will swing down. Support it with something so it doesn't strain the brake lines and parking brake cable.
13.05.2006
Rear suspension

The rear axle on the ground, with springs and shocks detached. The shocks were incredibly rusty and weak. I had to destroy one of the dust covers to grab the rod while unbolting it.
15.05.2006
Engine support

Engine support bar installed. It takes the weight of the rear engine mount and allows to disconnect it from the subframe.
15.05.2006
Front subframe

Subframe with the front anti-roll bar attached.
28.06.2006
Clamp and brace

A steering rack clamp and brace kit from Taliaferro.
28.06.2006
Driver side

Further stiffening the steering with a polyurethane bushing on the driver side.
02.07.2006
Rear axle

Refinished rear axle with a 22 mm anti-roll bar and polyurethane bushings.
02.07.2006
Front subframe

Front subframe with a full set of polyurethane bushings for control arms and anti-roll bar. Plus a Taliaferro six-point brace, still in the original wrapping.
16.07.2006
Front suspension

Front suspension and brakes transferred from the old project car. Featuring Bilstein strut inserts, Intrax springs, Goodridge brake lines and a full set of poly bushings.
16.07.2006
Rear suspension

Rear suspension installed. Again, Bilstein shocks, Intrax springs, Goodridge lines and a new handbrake cable.
16.07.2006
Subframe brace

Taliaferro six-point front subframe brace. Must have for a convertible.
17.07.2006
Wheels

Wheels mounted, the car is on the ground.
14.10.2006
Intrax vs Eibach

Couple of months later, it became apparent that Intrax rear springs are not suited well for the car, so they got replaced with Eibachs.
11.05.2007
Front Eibach Spring

After a while, a pair of front Eibach springs made for 9-3 was fitted to match the rears.

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