i just thought of something. i just got all of my suspension goodies. gc with custom rates and tokico adjustables. since the springs are shorter than stock (i think?) because of the sleeves, would i need a spring compressor to assemble the new suspension?
-spenc

 

No, you shouldn't. In fact, at full extension (the kind that lifts tires off the ground) the spring can come off the seat several inches.

 

thats what i thought. fabulous.
oh, while i have peoples attension, i'm gonna need new shock mounts (upper that bolts into the car.) can i pick them up at any parts house or do i need to order them from the dealer?
-spenc

 

unless you got another set of shock top hats, youll need to reuse them off your old shocks. so typically youll need a spring compressor to take apart your old shocks.

however, heres a tip so you dont need a spring compressor, either installing or removing. put the car on jackstands. then support the suspension with a jack. then unscrew the top middle nut that holds the shock together and then the other two top nuts. now just lower the jack and your shock and springs will safely be separated.

 

yea, i know that trick. had forgotten it tho. thanks for the refresher. any one know about where to get shock tophats??
-spenc

 

junkyard.

 

didnt even think about that. i havent visited my local junkyard in a while.
-spenc

 

For the top hats, rubber inserts for them and a few other bits (upper shock bushings and new bump stops for instance) head on down to your friendly Honda dealer and lay about $100 on the counter to start with. You WILL want new rubber inseeeeeeerts and the top hats will make it possible to assemble everything on the bench without taking thestock units apart (requires a compressor). In doing this project be prepared to go to the dealer for the large retaining bolts for the shocks and forks as they are know to have seizing and or failure issues. A salvage yard may be a good place to visit for the hats, but do buy new rubber parts.
Before starting the install measure the ride height by putting a tape from the ground up thru the centerline of the wheel to the highest point on the lip and record that number for each corner. Then: A suggestion for doing the sleeves is to set them about half way to start with and put the assemblies on the car. Set the car down and measure the ride height again and you can adjust to what you want.
The SCCA minimum ride height to the lowest point on the rocker panel is 5". I do it to the jack pickup points, which puts me at ~5.5".
Have fun

For those with 96 Civic CX HB's or similar-I have complete stock shock/spring package cheap.


[Modified by jc836, 6:06 AM 11/16/2002]


[Modified by jc836, 6:09 AM 11/16/2002]

 

the other thing youll need (if they arent in crap shape) are the bump stops. The fronts for my 5th gen were only $6 each, but for some reason the rears were $22 each(not even much bigger). So something to look into.

mike

 

got new bumpstops with my shox