Napa rear springs

[TriumphZ3]

Following an earlier thread on good rear shock absorbers I bought a set of Sachs plus strut top mounts and am currently engaged in fitting. I decided I may as well replace the springs too, then of course things escalated and I decided on spring pads as well; the originals probably were just that - 28 years old - so time to replace all and forget.
The replacement springs are Napa and while I had serious trouble getting the old ones off, spring compressors and lots of elbow grease, the new ones just slotted in with minimal compression. I've heard of springs compressing over time but not getting longer. I've lowered the car and it sits as high as before, I suppose only a period of driving will tell, but I'm worried about the springs which can now be rotated on the mounts when the car is on the lift - the old ones were too tight to move. How does this sound to the experts out there?

 

[Nodzed]

That's odd, I've changed many Z3 rear springs and never had to use compressors, just drop the bottom shock bolt out and a bar to push the swing arm down and pull the spring out, maybe I just got lucky each time? As for being able to turn them on the lift, with all new pads and no grit, rust and dirt they probably would as there's no pressure / friction on them.

 

[t-tony]

Z3 rear springs you should be able to remove/fit using just your hands. Occasionally holding a small pry bar.

Tony.

 

[TriumphZ3]

Thanks all, that's what I thought - even on my daughter's Fiesta I can replace the springs with finger pressure once the axle is dropped. Although handling and ride height were good before, I suspect incorrect rear springs have been fitted by a PO or possibly the small-scale dealer who sold it to me. Hopefully sorted now!

 

[TriumphZ3]

Just one small query to add - the rear shocks (Sachs) - they have a lower connection of a flat rectangular plate on one side and a tube on the other, which the bolt goes through. Which side goes to the hub - flat or tube? Mine had one of each and I can't find confirmation on the Net.