mt-fly-boy-25

Well here is my update that is going to double as a how to on the installation and building of Koni Sports (Yellows) and Ground Controls with and without aftermarket top hats...

I added this because the other write up is missing some information that noobs ie me didnt know.

This is my first attempt at a write up and I am doing it because these things do NOT come with directions lol.

***Koni Sport Yellows and Ground Control Installation write up for 88-91 CRX***

Step 1 - Get all of your parts together from all of the different boxes and have them readily available for the install.

Step 2 - Remove old shock and strut and spring assembly from the car. You will need the top hats if you didnt buy new ones.

Step 3 - Look at your ground control sleeves. One is taller than the other. The tall ones goes on the rear end of the car. The short ones go on the front...




Step 4 - Grab the front shock. It is the one that is just round at the bottom. Lay out all of the things you will need. Like this. You need the springs as well I didnt have it in the picture.




Step 5 - Grab the shock and install the plastic washer. It just pushes on.

This shock.


This washer.


Installed.


Step 6 - Grab the short ground control sleeve and slide it on.





Step 7 - Find the bump stop and grab it and put it on.




Step 8 - Find the washer and the metal sleeve put them on. The washer goes on first. These came with your Konis...





This is what you have so far.


Step 9 - Grab whatever spring you are putting on the front. I am just running the recomended from Ground Control off the shelf rate for the front at 350.


Step 10 - Find your top hat. - This is where things change if you bought aftermarket extended ones.

If you are using the stock top hat remove it from the old front spring and shock assembly. Inspect the rubber bushings on it to make sure they are alright too.

Stock Top Hat


Step 10a - This is for you guys with new extended top hats. Take your extended top hat out and install the included bushing into the top.




Step 10b - Install a second bushing into the bottom of the top hat. The smaller side goes down. So it should look like an upside down ice cream cone.


Step 11 - Put the top hat on!


Step 11a - if you have the extended top hats put the new rubber piece from GC on so it fits your top hat.




Step 12 - Find this and install it facing up so it makes a bowl.



Step 13 - Add these two nuts on one at a time! The second will lock them in place.







Step 14 - Double check they look like this.



Repeat the process using the rear shocks now, but use these pieces instead.

Rear shocks look like this.



Use the taller ground control sleeve. This one.



Use this spring instead.




annnnd you should end up with them looking like this!


PM me if you have questions...

Final shots!

Libertariat

mt-fly-boy-25

I just did it because I was so confused putting them together!

tron_

Good write up, I'm sure this wil be really useful for a lot of people since the Koni/GC setup is so popular

egsleepercivic

think your bumpstops are upside down, not sure if its a big deal though

hondatech2000

When would u use the lower c clip setting on the shock

SR20S13

yes they are upside down haha

tron_

I just ran out and looked at my setup and it does seem like the bump stops are up side down. I ordered mine direct from Ground Control. I doubt it's a big deal though seeing you shouldn't be hitting them in the first place

TunerN00b

To lower the car on stock springs. Meaning, they're intended for use without adjustable spring perches (GC sleeves being used here).

90_EX_Civic

op, you need to cut those bumpstops in half or else you're going to be riding on them.

tron_

Are you sure? Like I said I got mine from GC and they came pre-assembled and the bump stop looked just like the OPs.

hondatech2000

Can anyone confirm citing bump stop mine are like the ones in pix also

TunerN00b

Incorrect.

Stock bumpstops used with stock upper shock mounts should be trimmed.

Bumpstops supplied with extended upper mounts should not be altered.

If you're asking about trimming, see above.

If you're asking about them being upside down, they are. However, it probably won't make enough difference to be an issue.

FlewByU352

Ground Control specifically states not to cut or trim their bump stops. BTW they make a few different versions of their bump stops varying in size/stiffness. Nice how to, I'm going to be doing this on Sunday but more labor intensive since I have to pull the Neuspeed's off the Koni's which means I have to rent a spring compressor again lol. I opted out for extended top hats, GC told me to just do a trial and error to see if I need them or not. Tried to find a lowered height in which they would be needed on here but fell short of real data. I absolutely hate when people measure with finger gap because that is dependent on tire size. Center of hub to fender arch is what I'm looking for.

90_EX_Civic

really? but everything is closer now. hmm..... may be im thinking it wrong.

TunerN00b

You are. Everything is further now, because of the extended upper mount.

Without the extended upper mounts, and with lowering, now everything is closer and they should be trimmed.

90_EX_Civic

you'll have more shock travel, but the bushing is closer to the mount now... you technically wouldn't be riding on the bump stops.... oh, ok, but now the bushing is doing it's job now instead of having something sit on it.

childishthing

what keeps the sleeves in place over the shock?

Mr.Ricky

thanks! Imma put all of this to great use pretty soon!

tron_

In the third pic you see the little metal ridge on the shock body? The bottom of the sleeve sits against that.

hondatech2000

I put mine together thanks for this thread anyone have any rough estimates on how high to put the collar for a certain drop to save some time on adjustments?

Thanks

mt-fly-boy-25

I hope so. thanks!

Yes they are. The smaller end facing up which is an easier fit into the extended top hat. This cushions the landing on a full out wham on the bump stop.

Stock springs or the longer types. Like Sportlines for instance you can drop it.

yes. really doesnt matter though.

exactly lol.

Thank you.

Not true my friend, but I will if I start riding them for some reason. IE way too low.

Yes, keep them full size!


Thank you. It wont matter.

Thanks. That does sound like a blast. I didnt want to waste anymore time, so i just went with the top hats since my current stockies were uber compressed on sportlines.

shock as the same room to travel if not a little more!

Just a little, but yes.

yes

The shock... And a ring around the bottom. That and the weight of your car on the ring make it solid. It is a sleeve that goes over it, so it isnt just resting on top. More like inside.

Awesome go do it!

exactly.


I dont know yet myself as I havent let her hit the ground. Hopefully tonight!

s13hero

Thanks for the write up, I've been putting off installing my koni/gc because there were a few points I was unclear on, now I don't have any excuses

hondatech2000

The rear is easier if. You un bolt the sway bar first to get the lower control arm back in place for re install

mt-fly-boy-25

Good, get her done!

I had the trailing arms off, so it was pretty easy that way.

Money shots are up.