Alexpbnj

so i have my springs there a 2 inch drop, im going to go to autozone to do there loan a tool program, so i can borrow a coil spring compressor. i know how to do basic things on cars never attempted to mess with the suspension do you think ill be able to get it done, and how long it should take for all 4 ? thanks - Alex

wideload

is it doable yes.. can u mess it up yes.. do one at a time so that way u can see how it bolts back in.. first timer doing all 4 probably atleast an hour each. just make sure u dont put the springs in upside down and that the spring sits in the cap in the same place. youll have fun getting that strut cap bolt off.

Alexpbnj

haha i bet ill have tons of fun thanks

Alexpbnj

how soon do i need an alignment after also? like right away or a day or 2 after?

300whpej

id do an alignment as soon as the car settles, then a check about a month or so afterwards. it took my springs almost 3 days to fully settle in, and thats when i got my alignment.

Alexpbnj

can i drive it before it fully setlles and i get the alignment done though? and how do i tell when it fully settles?

Alexpbnj

?

98civdx

yes you can drive it.

the car will be lower.

300whpej

^you will begin to notice your car sits lower when stopped next to other cars. you can also measure by finger gap in the wheel wells. 2" is about 2.5-3 fingers.

azandford

i just changed mine w/o that compressor just make sure you let the jack out very very very slowly

$kreech

heres a list of tools u will need.
car jack and lug wrench, 1 ratchet, 1 power arm, two 17 sockets (or one 17 socket and a moving wrench), one deep 14 socket, one 19 socket, a short ratchet extension, a 14 wrench for moving the bolt at the top of the shock that locks the top hat in place, and u'll need an allen key for the stud the bolt is on (this part might be hard).

and 1 buddy!

u might not need spring clamps if the springs are short enough, just a fairly strong budddy to push down the top hat while u catch the bolt.

be sure to slacken the bolt that holds the top hat in place while the shock is on the car, this will be alot easier.

remove the two 14 bolts at the top of the shock that holds it to the car. release the upper ball joint from the upper control arm, release the 14 bolt that holds the shock to the fork (front), use the 17's to release the fork from the lower control arm, and u can now take out the shock and fork. reverse this procedure to put back up.

good luck.

Alexpbnj

thank you ill get back to you guys tomorrow after i get started and let ya know how it goes!

illios

be careful with that bolt on top of the cap, that **** can pop off very powerfully if the stock springs arent compressed enough. ***** dangerous haha

cvcrcr99

Hopefully, the Rear LCA bolts dont seize and break off! Pics when you are done OP!

Alexpbnj

lol it was raining on and off today so im gonna have to give it a shot tomorrow, everyones telling me this is dangerous also lol ill try my best to stay safe and ill post pics tomorrow when i install them, thanks for the feedback!

acake em1

yeah man you might wanna get a few lca bolts just in case, i broke 1 or 2 while putting on my coilovers and had to run out and get some

dsturch1

Be careful with the autozone loaner tool...I had an issue with mine, the one I got from them didnt fit between the gaps on the springs and I had to return it and go to another store, I think it was advanced auto, and that one worked. They have different ones apparently at different stores, good luck with it...just watch bc it'll delay time immensely trying to find one. If you need any help shoot me a PM, i'm prob one of the closest ones on the forum to you.

98civdx

i bought one of the peice of **** spring things, dont bother. They make it harder and more dangerous to use.

Grab a impact and lay the shock and spring down facing a wall, step on the end of the shock not spring and take the nut off
The spring will pop forward but wont turn into a missle like everyone likes to say, I and many people do and have done it this way.
Id rather do it this way then use a compresser

wideload

just did mine last night. i stand on the spring and shoot the strut out when about 4-5 feet.

98civdx

Danm, i have never had them shot that far, Most is a foot and that was the front.
rear generaly about 6 inches.

dsturch1

X2 - thats crazy.

Alexpbnj

thanks man i appreciate that, ill hit ya up if i need to, dont wanna be a pita tho