Fitted the spacers today. Using rockets trick, compress the springs using the car/jack combo, clamp on coil clamps, then raise the chassis and drop axle. Bit fiddly but done the trick in the end. Really need to get a larger jack... But bits of timber for extra height helped .

Also while under there noticed a wet oil patch where engine and gearbox sandwich. Not dripping but definitely moist with oil. (pictures below). Rear main seal ??