I'm going to remove the rear coil overs to tighten the top nut. Having cold weather rattle. I've installed trailing arm bushings, new lower control arms and H&R sway bar doesn't have that many miles on it. Will these coil overs drop out and back in without spring compression. I thought I read where they would by putting the jack under trailing arm and raising it slightly. wanted to double check before I start in.

 

Yep, you'll need a jack to lift the rear hub to line up the bolt hole of the shock. Just keep an eye on the ABS wires so that the coilovers don't snag on them.

Pelican's got a DIY article:

MINI Cooper Rear Shock and Spring Replacement

 

When I did my rears, I lifted both sides of the car, didn't need to put a jack under the trailing arm to lift it into place. I went to do the same thing you are about to do and lifted just one side, had a hard time getting it lined up to put the bolt through. Hope that helps.

 

yes, the shock/spring assy will come out without having to use spring compressors. as zsm says: be careful of the wires, they get caught on each coil when you lower it out. you can tighten the top nut and put the unit back in without messing with the spring.

 

Does it matter if tires and wheels are left on the car?

 

It's easier, but you can leave them on.

 

By jacking up both side the pressure on the swaybar is equalized. If you only jack up on side then the opposite side that is low is putting a lot of pressure on the jacked up side.