New rearend coming

[dmg36054]

I bought a complete rearend from Matthew''s Parts in Birmingham for my '81 Spider. I should have it by next weekend. Then the fun will begin.

Once I get it, is it advisable to do a little preventive maintenance befoe I install it? Should I bite the bullet and replace the seals, bearings, etc. for the axles and pinion? If I convince myself that it all looks good as is, how much trouble is it to replace these item later? I just don't want any leaks.

And, (here we go), while I'm already working on the rearend, I'd like to replace anthing else that might need it. Bushings and the like. Can you guys give me direction on what all is replaceable and what I should look at? Which parts have bushings/bearings/seals that I can replace?

Might as well replace the shocks too, and I'll go ahead and shorten the coil springs or try to source the older, shorter ones. I've read a multitide of posts concerning shortening of the springs,and I'm still not sure how much I need to cut. Please chime in with recommendations.

Lastly, who is a favored vendor for the Koni shocks, and is there a particular one for the Spider that everyone likes?

While I'm underneath the car, might as well clean everything up and make it all pretty.

Man, I love this site.

[124JOE]

when i got under it i replaced shocks, rubber lines for brakes and all the 4link bars w/panhard
also the rear brake regulator,ebrake cable.joe