pogichinkyguy

Just wondering how much harder/longer it would take without air tools...

bikeboy80

air tools can make the job go a bit faster, but unless you have real expensive tools you will still have to break the bolts loose and tighen then down with a breaker bar/ or wrench.

The first two time i did my suspension i did not have air tools and it took me a few hours (i was still learning) no i have air tools and i can swap out the suspension in maybe an hour if all goes well

but air tools are not a nessacity

Vspec Sol

It's not a necessity, the only thing that I really find convinient is to have a lift, but everything can be done without air tools.

kommon_sense

i used air tools and it made it easier. It took a few hours because it was my first time doin suspension work. I did not have any stiff/frozen/rusted/stuck bolts at all (car is a 98 civ, did suspension Sept. 02).

SlippylesKB

If you have an older car, I wouldn't recommend using Airtools. Just a breaker bar is the way to go. I had airtools available to me, but I decided to use regular wrench's because you get a better feel of when your about to break a bolt (check out my post ) All you need is a little muscle and your good friend named leverage. Good Luck

Scott

pogichinkyguy

Thanks guys, I'll let you the out come...

smnowell

I think air tools really only help on the rear suspension. I can do front suspension with hand tools (both sides) in about 20-30 minutes. Only reason rear is harder is because those ******* bolts seize in the lower strut mount onto the control arm...sometimes even air tools can't get those bolts out...But basically, hand tools should be more than enough for you. Maybe a long pipe to use as a breaker bar for some of the harder bolts and you will be set

SlippylesKB

Yea the equation would go something like this:
Airtools + Rusty Bolt = Pissed off Scott, stock height rear and 2 broken bolts...
Like I said, I'd advise against using Air tools